Main description:

Comparative Mammalian Immunology: The Evolution and Diversity of the Immune Systems of Mammals provides a review on the current knowledge of mammalian immune systems from a comparative viewpoint. This reference encompasses recent work on the immune systems of marine mammals, bats and marsupials in addition to other lesser-known species, with the immune systems of humans and laboratory mice as components of chapters on primates and rodents respectively. The book also makes use of the most recent studies on the genomic sequences of the mammals to identify both common and unique features of each mammal's immune system.

The book elucidates the complex, but coordinated and controlled series of interactions involving cells and molecules that has evolved to protect the host against disease. Mammals consist of a highly diverse group of animals in which the immune system has been subjected to a variety of selective pressures. This is reflected in differences in the organization and function of their immune systems, and is especially seen in those gene families characterized by complexity and polymorphism.

Contents:

SECTION 1: MAMMALIAN IMMUNOLOGY 1. The phylogeny of the mammals 2. The evolution of viviparity 3. The evolution of lactation 4. Endothermy 5. The mammalian microbiota and its role in the evolution of the immune system 6. Innate immunity in mammals 7. The evolution of the major histocompatibility complex and kir receptors 8. The generation of b cell and t cell antigen diversity 9. Mammalian lymphoid systems 10. Mammalian longevity and aging SECTION 2: MAMMALIAN ORDERS 11. Monotremes: Echidnas and platypus 12. Marsupials: Koalas and kangaroos 13. Placentals: Cetartiodactyla: camels and llamas 14. Cetartiodactyla: Pigs and peccaries 15. Ruminants: Cattle, and sheep 16. Cetaceans: Dolphins and whales 17. Chiropterans: Bats 18. Carnivora 19. Perissodactyls: Horses 20. Lagomorphs: Rabbits 21. Rodents: Rats and mice 22. Primates: Monkeys, apes, and humans 23. Paenungulates: Elephants and sirenians 24. Xenarthrans: Sloths and anteaters 25. Synthesis