This book provides an integrated approach to the study of immunology for people who seek a ‘user-friendly’, concise and up-to-date foundation text. There can be few subjects that so obviously demand such an approach. Immunology overlaps with the biological disciplines of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, physiology, microbiology and parasitology — relying on methods and concepts derived from these disciplines, and in turn contributing to them. After describing the components of the immune system, and explaining how they interact, the author goes on to discuss the many important applications of immunology in laboratory techniques and in medicine. In addition to this ‘introductory’ material, the book considers new, and likely future developments — giving the reader a taste of the rapid rate of progress in this important field. The author’s clear and concise text is supported by a wealth of illustrations (most in two-colour), self-assessment questions and a comprehensive index — making this an essential text for all life science students entering this field, or for health practitioners seeking to update their knowledge.