ABSTRACT
In this chapter we will examine the immune system. It will not be possible to provide a detailed account of immunology in a single chapter, and it will help if the reader has at least some background in the subject. Instead, this chapter will emphasize those aspects of immunology that will be important for understanding the significance of material to follow. Here we will focus on two broad areas. First, the different effector mechanisms of the immune system that neutralize and kill invading microorganisms. Secondly, we will examine T-cell function and focus mainly on antigen processing and the functions of TH1 and TH2 cells. Several excellent reviews are listed at the end of this chapter if further information is required.
