The Immunology of the Pig is a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the immune systems of domestic pigs, offering an invaluable resource for researchers, veterinarians, and students in the fields of immunology, veterinary medicine, and biomedical science. This text covers both the innate and adaptive immune systems of pigs, highlighting the unique features that make them an excellent model for human immune system studies. By examining the applied immunity of pigs, including available vaccines and immune-mediated diseases, this book addresses a critical need for understanding porcine immunology in both agricultural and biomedical contexts. The book is meticulously structured to cover a wide range of topics. It begins with the evolutionary origins and domestication of pigs, providing a historical context that enriches the understanding of their immune systems. Subsequent chapters explore key aspects of porcine immunology, including piglet ontogeny, reproduction, and lactation; innate immunity; hematology; cytokine functions; antigen processing cells; and lymphoid organs. Detailed discussions on the major histocompatibility complex, innate lymphoid cells, B and T cell systems, and immunity on body surfaces offer a thorough insight into the complex mechanisms at play. Additionally, the text addresses the microbiota's role, vaccination strategies, and immunity to various bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases, rounding out a holistic view of porcine immune health.
The Immunology of the Pig is an essential reference for anyone involved in veterinary science, immunology, or biomedical research. It provides a deep dive into the pig's immune system, presenting a wealth of information that is both scientifically rigorous and practically applicable. By understanding the parallels between porcine and human immune systems, researchers can leverage this knowledge to advance medical science, particularly in the areas of xenotransplantation and disease modeling. This book is a vital tool for advancing our understanding of immunology and improving health outcomes for both pigs and humans.
- Includes comprehensive coverage of both innate and adaptive immune systems in pigs
- Proves detailed analysis of porcine immune-mediated diseases and available vaccines
- Offers insights into pigs as models for human immune system research
- Examines porcine microbiota and its impact on immunity comprehensively
Ian R. Tizard, BVMS, BSc, PhD, DSc (Hons), DACVM, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Immunology, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, The Texas Veterinary Medical Center at Texas A &M University (TAMU), College Station, Texas, USA. Dr. Tizard earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1965. He then completed a Bachelor of Science in Pathology and a PhD in Immunology. After completing his studies, Dr. Tizard became a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph, where he remained as a professor until 1982 when he moved to TAMU. Dr. Tizard wrote the first standardized textbook on Veterinary Immunology in 1977. This text, now in its 11th edition, is used worldwide, and has played a major role in establishing Immunology among the key disciplines.
