The Antigens

The Antigens, Volume V is a comprehensive treatise covering all aspects of antigens, including their chemistry and biology as well as their immunologic role and expression. Four complex problems of direct relevance to human health are explored, namely, tumor antigens, antigens of helminths, cytotoxic lymphocytes, and complement.

Comprised of four chapters, this volume begins with a review of classic studies of tumor-specific transplantation antigens, followed by a discussion on the detection and purification of tumor antigens; the immune response to tumor antigens; and the role of tumor antigens in the escape of tumors from immunological control. The reader is then introduced to some aspects of the different functions of antigens of helminths, along with the immune response in helminthiasis. The book also examines the generation, properties, and mode of action of antibody-independent cytolytic T lymphocytes before concluding with an analysis of the complement system and its reaction pathways as well as its role as an autoantigen.

This monograph will be of interest to practitioners and researchers in immunology, experimental and clinical medicine, biochemistry, and other disciplines.

Contenu

List of Contributors
Preface
Contents of Other Volumes
Chapter 1 Tumor Antigens
I. Introduction
II. Classic Studies of Tumor-Specific Transplantation Antigens
III. Detection of Tumor Antigens
IV. Purification of Tumor Antigens
V. Nature of Tumor Antigens
VI. The Immune Response to Tumor Antigens
VII. The Role of Tumor Antigens in the Escape of Tumors from Immunological Control
VIII. Human Tumor Antigens
IX. Conclusions
References
Chapter 2 Antigens of Helminths
I. Introduction
II. Immunity to Helminths
III. Pathophysiology of Antigens
IV. Applications: Immunodiagnosis and Immunoprevention
V. Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 3 Cytotoxic Lymphocytes
I. Introduction
II. Assay of Lymphocyte-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Vitro
III. Cytolytic T Lymphocytes
IV. Antibody-Dependent Lymphocyte-Mediated Cytotoxicity
V. Natural Cytotoxicity Mediated by Lymphocytes
VI. Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 4 Complement
I. Introduction
II. Complement Terminology
III. The Proteins of the Complement Sequence
IV. Components without Clear Homologue
V. The Reaction Mechanisms of Complement
VI. Reaction Mechanisms of the Terminal Portion of the Complement Sequence
VII. Biosynthesis of Complement
VIII. The Biological Properties of the Complement System
IX. Complement as an Autoantigen
X. The Genetics of the Complement System
XI. Complement Components of Cell Membranes
XII. Complement in the Induction of the Antibody Response
References
Author Index
Subject Index