Th1 and Th2 Cells in Health and Disease

Th1 and Th2 cells, representing extremely polarized modalities of the specific effector immune response, play an important role in both protection against exogenous insults and the induction of several immunopathological reactions. This book provides an authoritative update on the developments in this fast-moving field from both basic and clinical perspectives. In 12 detailed chapters, leading immunologists highlight the physiological meaning of Th1 and Th2 cells, their functional properties and surface markers, the mechanisms responsible for their development, as well as their roles in protection against bacteria, protozoans, fungi, viruses and helminths. Also discussed are the roles of Th1 and Th2 cells in some immunopathological conditions, such as autoimmune and neurological disorders, allergy and HIV infection. By combining for the first time complete information on basic mechanisms together with the clinical implications of Th1/Th2-dominated immune responses, this book will be appreciated by a broad spectrum of readers, including immunobiologists and clinicians from many medical fields.