The immunoglobulin gene complex is responsible for generating an extraordinarily wide range of antibodies, each possessing a unique antigen specificity. The Second Edition of Immunoglobulin Genes brings the reader up to date with the rapid progress in our understanding of this system. Firmly established as the definitive book on the topic, it provides a fully comprehensive account of the organization, function, rearrangement and expression of these and related genes. Since the publication of the first edition, the work has been extensively revised and updated to cover new research data on human immunoglobulin genes as well as mammalian and lower vertebrate systems. New chapters include "Somatic mutation and B cell Maturation", "Antigen receptors" and "B lymphocyte tolerance in the mouse." For the immunologist, there are detailed descriptions of the molecular mechanisms which generate this diverse range of antibodies and the tight regulation of the genes encoding them. Molecular biologists will find discussions of important phenomena including gene rearrangement, differential splicing and deletion in the context of immunoglobulin genes. The excitement of research on immunoglobulin genes is conveyed by the range and complexity of issues discussed here; the book contains invaluable information for clinicians and research scientists with an interest in the immune response. * Conveys the excitement of research on immunoglobulin genes by the range and complexity of issues * Contains invaluable information for clinicians and research scientists with an interest in the immune response * For the Immunologist * Detailed descriptions of the molecular mechanisms generating this diverse range of antibodies and the regulation of genes encoding them * For the Molecular Biologist * Discusses important phenomena including gene rearrangement, differential splicing, and deletion in the context of immunoglobulin genes.