Molecular Biology of B Cells is a comprehensive reference to how B cells are generated, selected, activated and engaged in antibody production. All these developmental and stimulatory processes are described in molecular and genetic terms to give a clear understanding of complex phenotyes. The molecular basis of many diseases due to B cell abnormality is also discussed. This definitive reference is directed at research level immunologists, molecular biologists and geneticists.

ORGANIZATION, REARRANGEMENT AND TRANSCRIPTION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENES -- Human Immunoglobulin heavy chains locus -- Immunoglobulin heavy chain genes of mouse -- Immunoglobulin? genes of human and mouse -- Immunoglobulin lambdav (IGL) genes of human and mouse -- The Mechanism of V(D) J Recombination -- Transcription of Immunoglobulin genes -- B CELLS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT -- Early B cell development to a mature, antigen-sensitive cell -- cellular stages and molecular decisions -- Allelic exclusion, Isotypic exclusion and the Developmental Regulation of V(D)J Recombination -- The Development of Human B Lymphocytes -- Development and function of B cell subsets -- B CELL DIFFERENTIATION INDUCED BY Ag STIMULATION -- Structure and function of B cells antigen receptor complexes -- Regulation of antigen receptor signaling by the co-receptors, CD19 and CD22 -- The dynamic structure of antibody responses -- Dynamics of B cell migration to and within secondary lymphoid organs -- Characteristics of mucosal B cells with emphasis on the human secretory immune system -- The Cellular Basis of B Cell Memory -- Immunoglobulin assembly and secretion -- Fc And Complement Receptors -- Ig GENE ALTERATION IN PERIPHERY -- Regulation of Class Switch Recombination -- Molecular Mechanism of Class Switch Recombination -- Molecular Mechanism of Hypermutation -- Selection During Antigen-Driven B Cell Immune Responses: The Basis for High Affinity Antibody -- DISEASES OF B CELLS -- Chromosomal Translocations in B-cell Leukemias and Lymphomas -- Classification and Characteristics of Mouse B Cell-Lineage Lymphomas -- B cells producing pathogenic autoantibodies -- Immunodeficiencies Caused by B Cell Defects -- EVOLUTION OF Ig GENES -- Diverse forms of Immunoglobulin Genes in Lower Vertebrates -- Immunoglobulin Genes and Generation of Antibody Repertoires in Higher Vertebrates: A Key Role for GALT -- The zebrafish immune system -- The Origin of V(D)J Diversification -- FUNCTION AND APPLICATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS -- Antibody Structure and Recognition of Antigen -- Monoclonal antibodies from display libraries -- Humanization of Monoclonal Antibodies -- Human monoclonal antibodies from translocus mice.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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