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.