The Immunology of Horses and Donkeys

The Immunology of Horses and Donkeys offers a comprehensive overview of equid immune systems and bridges a critical gap by combining current research with foundational concepts, emphasizing both mechanisms and practical applications. It 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, 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. The Immunology of Horses and Donkeys advances understanding in immunology, biomedical research, and veterinary medicine, supporting the development of better diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies. Its clear, thorough approach benefits both scientific discovery and clinical application, ultimately improving equine health and informing broader mammalian immunology studies.