Immunity

During the eight years which separate the two editions of Raffel's Immunity, the field of immunology has grown exponentially. Although the original format has been retained, many of the newer concepts, (and controversies) have been included in the current work. The first two sections of this book deal with fundamental immune responses to antigens and infectious agents. Included are chapters dealing with the origins, general characteristics, and reactions of antibodies; immediate and delayed hypersensitivities and their relation to immunity are also considered. The third section is concerned with the application of these concepts to selected host-parasite relationships. Finally, cellular and tissue antigens are discussed with reference to hypersensitive mechanisms involved in noninfectious diseases. The new chapter on Immunologic Diseases is worthy of special comment. The author presents a conservative, well documented schema of diseases involving known immunologic mechanisms. This is followed by a discussion of several disease states, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which immunologic responses have been implicated in etiology. The hazards of confusing cause and effect with respect to immunologic events in these diseases are repeatedly stressed by the author. It is apparent that for one to encompass the broad scope of immunology is ambitious, and inevitably some sections of the book suffer for it. For example, the author questions the development of true delayed hypersensitivity within a short time after administration of simple protein antigens without adjuvants. He would distinguish a separate type of delayed reactivity ("Jones-Mote") for these reactions. I believe this distinction is not valid; it is poorly supported by available evidence, and likely to confuse the reader. The author is also afield when he asserts: (p. 149) "The later antibodies are also more avid for antigen because each molecule possesses multiple combining sites." Although later appearing antibodies are more avid, possibly because of a better "fit" between antigen and antibody, data from several sources indicate that individual 7S antibody molecules have only two combining sites. The good literary quality of the text is equalled by the fine printing and illustrations. Taken as a whole, this is a useful book for the student of microbiology, infectious diseases, or hematology. In short, for those whose main interests impinge upon immunology, this volume provides a survey of the field which will be of value.