Bacterial Evasion of Host Immune Responses

Book review Bacterial Evasion of Host Immune Responses By B. Henderson and P. C. F. Oyston. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2003. 328 pages. Hard cover $95.00 This book is a comprehensive, timely volume that describes the most current knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis and host cell interactions. Written by 2 outstanding scientists with several excellent contributors, the reader is led through 3 sections and 12 chapters of mechanisms of recognition of bacteria, evasion of humoral immunity, and evasion of cellular immunity. The descriptions of molecular structures and mechanisms range from those that are involved in bacterial attachment to host cells, ways bacteria can extirpate the activity of comple-

VOLUME 92, JANUARY, 2004

ment and of secretory IgA at mucosal surfaces, production and action of toxins and superantigens, and the participation of cytokines and chemokines. Although written largely from a basic science venue, the book will be of interest to the allergist-immunologist seeking to be brought up to date on the latest thinking of mechanisms of bacterial-host cell interactions. JOSEPH A. BELLANTI, MD International Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC

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