• Comparative Mammalian Immunology: The Evolution and Diversity of the Immune Systems of Mammals provides a review on the current knowledge of mammalian immune systems from a comparative viewpoint. This reference encompasses recent work on the immune systems of marine mammals, bats and marsupials in addition to other lesser-known species, with the immune systems of humans and laboratory mice as components of chapters on primates and rodents respectively. The book also makes use of the most recent studies on the genomic sequences of the mammals to identify both common and unique features of each mammal's immune system.

    The book elucidates the complex, but coordinated and controlled series of interactions involving cells and molecules that has evolved to protect the host against disease. Mammals consist of a highly diverse group of animals in which the immune system has been subjected to a variety of selective pressures. This is reflected in differences in the organization and function of their immune systems, and is especially seen in those gene families characterized by complexity and polymorphism.

    • Demonstrates multiple diverse pathways and mechanisms to optimize resistance and survival in the face of infectious diseases
    • Shows the clear patterns of emergence of different immunologic traits among the diverse orders of mammals
    • Reflects issues with innate or adaptive immune systems
    • Serves as a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge of the immune system of each mammalian order

  • SECTION 1: MAMMALIAN IMMUNOLOGY

    1. The phylogeny of the mammals

    2. The evolution of viviparity

    3. The evolution of lactation

    4. Endothermy

    5. The mammalian microbiota and its role in the evolution of the immune system

    6. Innate immunity in mammals

    7. The evolution of the major histocompatibility complex and kir receptors

    8. The generation of b cell and t cell antigen diversity

    9. Mammalian lymphoid systems

    10. Mammalian longevity and aging

    SECTION 2: MAMMALIAN ORDERS

    11. Monotremes: Echidnas and platypus

    12. Marsupials: Koalas and kangaroos

    13. Placentals: Cetartiodactyla: camels and llamas

    14. Cetartiodactyla: Pigs and peccaries

    15. Ruminants: Cattle, and sheep

    16. Cetaceans: Dolphins and whales

    17. Chiropterans: Bats

    18. Carnivora

    19. Perissodactyls: Horses

    20. Lagomorphs: Rabbits

    21. Rodents: Rats and mice

    22. Primates: Monkeys, apes, and humans

    23. Paenungulates: Elephants and sirenians

    24. Xenarthrans: Sloths and anteaters

    25. Synthesis

  • Ian R Tizard

    BVMS, BSc, PhD, DSc (Hons), DACVM, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and a University Distinguished Professor of Immunology, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, The Texas Veterinary Medical Center at Texas A &M University (TAMU), College Station, Texas, USA. Dr. Tizard earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1965. He then completed a Bachelor of Science in Pathology and a PhD in Immunology. After completing his studies, Dr. Tizard became a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph, where he remained on as a professor until 1982 when he moved to TAMU. Dr. Tizard wrote the first standardized textbook on Veterinary Immunology in 1977. This text, now in its 10th edition, is used worldwide, and has played a major role in establishing Immunology among the key disciplines of Veterinary Science.

    Affiliations and expertise

    Texas A &M University, College Station, Texas, USA

Veterinary Clinics of North America
info