Written for medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy students new to immunology, the fourth edition of The Immune System concentrates on human immunity, explaining how the various systems function and highlighting their effect on daily life. The authors have chosen to present what is known about the mechanisms used by the immune system so as to keep the narrative succinct. The concise yet thorough account makes it an ideal read for the intended audience. Nevertheless, deciding to present information in this way may be less desirable for teaching undergraduates, who may crave exploration and discovery to keep them engaged. However, the authors further supplement the learning experience for both the students and teachers by providing ample resources, including a companion book, Case Studies in Immunology, which may provide further stimulation.
The book begins by providing a focused introduction to the cells and tissues of the immune system and introducing important concepts that include the new appreciation for the microorganisms inhabiting the human body and their essential roles in maintaining human health. Interestingly, the book highlights the large and underappreciated overlap between the innate and adaptive immune systems that, until recently, were thought to be distinct.
The plentiful illustrations compliment and further clarify the text nicely, utilizing the familiar and successful design employed by Janeway’s Immunobiology, from which, incidentally, The Immune System is adapted. Each section and chapter is clearly documented in a detailed contents section, and each chapter is concisely summarized, creating an accessible and understandable book. Additionally, the chapters include questions that strengthen learning of the material presented. A detailed glossary at the end of the book provides a quick and handy resource to help jog the memory. The Immune System is a thorough and coherent overview of the modern understanding of immunity.