Leading international researchers and clinicians review the latest findings on the cellular and molecular foundations of allergic diseases, particularly those of the airway, skin, and bowel. The key topics treated span the range from epidemiology and the mechanisms of inflammation, to signaling in pathogenesis and allergic reactions. Each contributor treats the pathophysiology of allergy in various organ-based diseases and syndromes, emphasizing important new findings from cellular and molecular biology that illuminate these diseases, but also reveal important leads for the development of novel drugs and therapeutic strategies. Its up-to-date, clinically relevant approach will establish the book as the new standard knowledge base - not only for specialists in clinical immunology and allergy, but also for internists seeking a deeper understanding of the allergic diseases they treat, for scientists studying the cellular and molecular biology of inflammation and immunity, and for researchers focused on drug discovery and therapeutics.