Veterinary Molecular Immunology

This book focuses primarily on the newly discovered theory and techniques of veterinary molecular immunology. It also covers application of modern immunological methods into the treatment and control of infectious diseases and cancer, and future research trends. In terms of new immunological theories, this book focuses on recently-discovered innate lymphocytes (ILCs), signal transduction triggered by engagement of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and signal communication between nerve and immune systems, antimicrobial peptides, immunoregulation and checkpoint, development and maturation of T and B lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, immune tolerance, and immunosuppression and evasion. In terms of new techniques and application, the book covers the categories and designs of preventive and therapeutic vaccines and the principle of developing vaccination program, occurrence, development and immune evasion of cancer cells, and the novel techniques for cancer therapy. In addition, comparison of avian and porcine cytokines with human and mouse ones is also provided in the appendices to illustrate the differences in cytokines between species. This book is valuable for the undergraduates, graduate students or professional researchers with requirement for advanced studies in veterinary immunology. It meets their requirements for improving and expanding knowledge of immunology.

Dr. Shijun Zheng is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in the college of Veterinary Medicine at China Agricultural University. He completed his PhD in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2000. He then worked as a post-doctor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (2000-2005). His work focused on mechanism of autoimmune diseases, T cell development and microbial pathogenesis. He then returned to China as a full Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Veterinary Medicine and as a Principal Investigator in the State Key Laboratory of Agro-biotechnology, China Agricultural University.

Dr. Zheng’s research interest is primarily focused on the pathogenesis of microbial infection. He has made important contributions to the understandings of the molecular mechanism underlying IBDV and ARV-induced apoptosis in the host cells. He has also applied the knowledge gained from his basic research and expertise in molecular biology and immunology to study the persistent infection or immunosuppression of some microbial infections. The long-term objective of his studies is to provide a platform for rational design of effective vaccines to control infectious diseases of animals.