An Overview of Specific Immune Responses

Immune responses are highly complex and regulated, and they represent one of the most elegant and coordinated networks of cells and chemicals in the body. To present this system in an organized and clear manner, we have found it helpful to divide it into separate but related sections, each detailing some event in development or the immune response. The sections and pages of coverage are as follows:

I.Development and differentiation of the immune system

II.Lymphocytes, maturation, and the nature of antigens

III.Cooperation between lymphocytes during antigen presentation

IV.B lymphocyte responses and the production and actions of antibodies

V.T-lymphocyte responses

As we explore the information contained in these sections, we will be following a “map” of sorts. Figure 2lays out the flow of the main stages and will serve to coordinate the presentation. It also includes figure numbers that enlarge on the topics in that section.