T Cell Protocols

Purpose of the Book

The purpose of T Cell Protocols: Development and Activation is to collect a series of protocols, particularly those that have been developed within the past few years, to help investigators master new techniques (or improve existing ones) for the study of T-cell Biology.

Selection of Methods

Invariably, in putting together a book like this it is difficult to decide which methods to include and which to leave out. To this end methods were selected from a variety of disciplines, including cellular immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, to try to provide something of interest for everyone who works on T-cell development and activation.

Personal Motivation

I would like to mention that my primary reason for agreeing to put this book together is that, when I was a graduate student, I purchased a copy of Selected Methods in Cellular Immunology by Mishell and Shigii which proved a tremendous help in learning the basics of one- and two-dimensional gel techniques (and other methods). The cover has long since fallen off, but it still remains one of my most valued reference books for the laboratory.

Hopes for the Book

It is my hope that T Cell Protocols: Development and Activation will prove similarly useful to current and future scientists wishing to learn new methods for exploring the development and activation of T cells.