Immunology constitutes the study of an extremely powerful and dynamic system for sensing,
containing, and eliminating foreign pathogens with minimal damage to the host. The success
of this process is contingent on the activation and rapid clonal expansion of lymphocytes
and accessory cells that participate in executing an effective, pathogen-tailored adaptive
immune response. Moreover, the proper regulation and contraction of these potent immune
cells during and after the immune response is just as important to the health of the host.
Many questions remain unresolved as we continue to characterize and de fi ne the nature of
normal immune homeostasis and determine how these processes are dysregulated in
immunode fi ciency, as well as in autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders.