The Immune system exists as a tightly controlled balance between tolerance to self antigens and response to those of foreign pathogens. Autoreactive T and B lymphocytes are present within healthy individuals, tightly held in check by homeostatic mechanisms. Breakdown of these regulatory safeguards results in a catastrophic immune response to tissues and organs of the body, giving rise to a wide spectrum of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune thyroiditis. AUTOIMMUNITY: PHYSIOLOGY AND DISEASE presents a thorough and coherent analysis of all...