The Experimental Foundations of Modern Immunology by William R. Clark (review)

BOOK REVIEWS The Experimental Foundations ofModern Immunology. By William R. Clark. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1983. Pp. 453. $27.95. These are exciting times in the biological sciences. Remarkable technical advances in recent years have provided answers to a number of important questions , and there is a growing feeling of expectancy that we are on the verge of further major advances. Nowhere is this ferment more evident than in the field of immunology, since, as the author of this book points out in his introductory chapter, "one ofthe fascinations of immunology is that it overlaps widi, contributes to, and is enriched by such a wide variety of disciplines." The author of an immunology text for an advanced undergraduate (or introductory graduate) course is faced with several problems, including (1) how to convey this sense of excitement and change and yet provide a reasonably comprehensive review of currendy accepted immunological information and (2) how to make the volume ofinterest to those who intend to become immunologists as well as to those from other fields who need to understand immunological concepts and to make intelligent use of immunological approaches. One of the major goals of the author is to convey some of his feelings of delight and excitement about this growing field of interest. One way he accomplishes this is by emphasizing the experimental basis for present immunological ideas rather than merely presenting currendy accepted "facts." He provides a historical overview and then traces the experimental developments that have led to the current paradigm, concentrating mainly on the past 2 decades, which constitute what he terms the "post-serology" phase of immunology. This approach underscores die dramatic changes in immunological concepts and the unfinished state ofimmunology. He has had to be rather terse in many places in order to provide comprehensive yet brief coverage. One can quarrel with some of his assertions about complicated processes, although he has generally succeeded in sharing the uncertainties and anticipation of the field. The introductory chapter, which presents fundamental concepts of immunobiology , is followed by a brief description of the anatomy of the immune system. The biochemistry and genetic basis of immunoglobulin structure are then discussed in some detail. This is followed by a consideration of antigenantibody interactions, including the role of antibodies in immunity to infection and in the reactions to immunological injury. A discussion of lymphocyte subpopulations is followed by a description of cellular interactions involved in immune responses. A detailed presentation of the histocompatibility system proPermission to reprint a book review printed in this section may be obtained only from the author. 326 I Book Reviews vides the background needed for an understanding of transplantation immunology and the genetic regulation of immune responsiveness. The volume ends with a glossary of immunological terms, which is especially useful for neophytes. Perhaps a concluding chapter or summary remarks in each chapter would have helped the uninitiated reader retain the more important concepts. However, given the unfinished state of immunology, concluding remarks really seem inappropriate. Frank W. Fitch Department ofPathology University ofChicago Glycoproteins. By R. C. Hughes. New York: Chapman & Hall, 1983. Pp. 95. $6.50. Glycoproteins by R. C. Hughes represents a welcome addition to the Outline Studies in Biology series, and anyonemot familiar with the format ofthis series will be surprised at the amount of information packed into its 95 pages. The format gives roughly equal treatment to structure, biosynthesis, and "function," this last section reflecting the author's personal interest in lectins, cognins, and adhesion. The only major omissions from this treatise are a more detailed discussion of glycoprotein lysosomal catabolism (and related inborn errors ofmetabolism), the fact that most cell surface receptors, ion channels, etc., are glycoproteins (and that the carbohydrate is important for function), and the absence of a "methodology" bibliography. One hopes that future editions would at least include a section on genetic hydrolase deficiencies (although I-cell disease is discussed ), since these have contributed considerably to our understanding of glycoprotein structure and enzymology. However, one must also say that the author has already done a magnificent job of packing information into so small a volume. The information contained in sections 1 and 2 will no doubt stand us in good stead...