Includes bibliographical references and index.

The threat to the body : the role and requirements of the immune system -- The immediate response to infection : innate immunity and the inflammatory response -- Specific immune recognition : B lymphocytes and the antibody molecule -- T lymphocytes and MHC-associated recognition of antigen -- Lymphocyte development and the generation of antigen receptors -- Anatomy of the immune system -- Anatomical and cellular aspects of antibody production -- Effector mechanisms : dealing with pathogens in vivo (1) antibody-mediated responses -- Effector mechanisms: dealing with pathogens in vivo (2) cell-mediated immunity -- Immunological memory and vaccination, the production and use of antibodies -- Immunological tolerance and regulation : why doesn't the immune system attack ourselves? -- Autoimmune diseases -- Allergy and other hypersensitivities -- AIDS -- Manipulating the immune system : transplantation and tumours.