Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 10 (1985) 1--2 1 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam -- Printed in The Netherlands

EDITORIAL

The previous volume of Advances in Veterinary Immunology and Immuno-

pathology focussed upon the contribution that veterinary medicine makes

to the overall understanding of irm~unological responses. The aim in

this issue has a similar objective. The contributions review current

research knowledge on the immune response to Mycoplasma spp. in the

respiratory tract, protective mechanisms against pathogenic and non-

pathogenic fungi and the immune defence mechanisms that operate in

the bovine mammary gland. To link these three articles there was to

be a review of the immunological control of these responses. Unfor-

tunately, this final article has been delayed to such an extent that

we have to publish this issue without it. The balance of the issue

is therefore not as we would have wished. We do nonetheless believe

that our major objective has been achieved.

The first article by Drs. Howard and Taylor covers the immune

responses to Mycoplasma spp. of the respiratory tract. This is a

particularly important area in veterinary medicine and the authors

highlight the various effector mechanisms and discuss the role the

immunological responses have in the production of the clinical disease.

The second article by Dr. Lehmann reviews the newer concepts of the

specific and non-specific immunological responses to fungi which is

of increasing importance in many areas of the world. The final article.

by Drs. Craven and Williams covers the defence of the bovine mammary

gland. The authors detail the complex mechanisms that operate in the

mammary gland and discuss the exciting potential for the enhancement

of these immunological defences.

It is with sadness that the editors reflect on the tragically

premature death of Dr. Tim Newby who contributed so much to our under-

standing of mucosal immunity, and on the death of Professor Herman

Lehmann F.R.S., father of Dr. Paul Lehmann, who had such an impact

on the understanding of clinical biochemistry. The editors wish to

dedicate this issue to their memory.

JOHN BOURNE Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK.

NElL GORMAN Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK.