Handbook of Immunology and Aging

Immunology is a branch of biology concerned with the study of immune systems. Immunological studies have applications in the fields of oncology, organ transplantation, rheumatology, dermatology, etc. The disorders of the immune system can result in immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Immunodeficiency diseases are caused when the immune system fails to provide the adequate immune response. When the immune system attacks its own host’s body, it leads to autoimmune diseases, some of which include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s disease, etc. The gradual accumulation of psychological, physical and social changes in a human being over time constitutes the process of aging. A less efficient immune function is a characteristic of old age. As the immune system weakens progressively with age, the organism becomes unable to fight infections and increasingly incapable of destroying old and neoplastic cells. This eventually leads to death. This book contains some path-breaking studies in immunology and aging. It unfolds the innovative aspects of the relationship between immunology and aging, which will be crucial for the understanding of these areas. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about these fields.