The Immunology of Horses and Donkeys

The Immunology of Horses and Donkeys offers a comprehensive overview of the immune systems of equids, bridging a critical gap by combining current research with foundational concepts and emphasizing both mechanisms and practical applications. The book covers immune development, disease resistance, vaccination, and immune disorders, supporting improved health management in horses and donkeys. Organized logically, it begins with the evolutionary history and domestication of equids and then explores immune ontogeny, innate and adaptive responses, and lymphoid tissue structure. Chapters detail the major histocompatibility complex, cytokine signaling, antigen-presenting cells, and mucosal immunity. Additional sections address the microbiota, vaccine strategies, and immune responses to bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, providing a holistic view of equine immune health. Users will find content that advances understanding in immunology, biomedical research, and veterinary medicine, supporting the development of better diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies. The book's clear, thorough approach benefits both scientific discovery and clinical application, ultimately improving equine health and informing broader mammalian immunology studies.