Phylogenetic Perspectives on the Vertebrate Immune System

This volume describes the evolution of immune systems and covers new molecular information concerning the development of recognition, immunoglobulins, and cytokines. Invertebrates and lower vertebrates contribute to a more complete understanding and clarification of the immune/inflammatory response in higher animals. Chapters detail the major areas of immunology and encourage a more extensive development of invertebrate models as useful and unique in modern immunological and industrial laboratories. In addition, chapters focus on mechanisms of development and immunodefenses in protostome and deuterostome and lower vertebrates. There is a strong emphasis on evolutionary cell biology, phylogenetic inferences, and the evolution of recognition and regulatory systems.