How the Immune System Works is not a comprehensive textbook. It's the book thousands of students have used to help them understand what's in their big, thick, immunology texts. In this book, Dr. Sompayrac cuts through the jargon and details to reveal, in simple language, the essence of this complex subject. Fifteen easy to follow lectures, featuring the uniquely popular humorous style and engaging analogies developed by Dr Sompayrac, provide an introduction to the 'bigger picture', followed by practical discussion on how each of the components interacts with one another. Now featuring full-color diagrams, this book has been rigorously updated for its fourth edition to reflect today's immunology teaching and includes updated discussion of B and T cell memory, T cell activation, vaccines, immunodeficiency, and cancer. Whether you are completely new to immunology, or require a refresher, How the Immune System Works is an enjoyable way of engaging with the key concepts - you need know nothing of the workings of the immune system to benefit from this book! How the Immune System Works is now accompanied by a FREE enhanced Wiley Desktop Edition - the interactive, digital version of the book - featuring downloadable text and images, highlighting and note taking facilities, book-marking, cross-referencing, in-text searching, and linking to references and glossary terms. It is also available from CourseSmart for instant, online and offline access for studying anytime, anywhere.

This edition is well justified since immunology is a constantly evolving field. (Doody's, 12 July 2013) What users of the previous edition said: The voice of the author is one of a true teacher whose enthusiasm for the subject is contagious. There are far too many dry, academic, or scientific textbooks around and this book felt very fresh in comparison. Medical Student, University of Texas, South Western Medical Center at Dallas As if immersed in a conversation, this book is able to balance the line between facts, humor and history. The analogies and metaphors allow such a notorious subject to be leisurely digested over a couple days. From references to the Pillsbury Doughboy, Grace Kelly, quarterbacks and the Bubble Boy, this is an entertaining read as well as an informational read. Medical Student, Eastern Virginia Medical School Best textbook I have ever had! I am a first-year veterinary student. This book was a required text and I am SO glad I bought it! Very thin book, super easy to read. It is like reading a good story. This is a must for anyone taking immunology. Amazon.com reviewer

Professor Lauren Sompayrac is formerly of the University of Colorado at Boulder