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This invaluable reference handbook describes the fundamental principles and procedures underlying the successful isolation of viable, functionally intact haematopoietic and lymphoid cells, and their maintenance as primary cultures. It provides the technical information on the signals and mediators required for the differentiation and growth of these cells, and is designed for laboratory investigators with limited practical experience in cell culture. There are chapters on dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages, NK and LAK cells, mast cells and basophils, as well as on haematopoietic differentiation of embryonal stem cells and on culturing murine thymic explants. Each chapter has been written by experts who have direct practical experience of the techniques and can therefore provide tips for the avoidance of common pitfalls, as well as an insight into the fundamental questions in cell biology and immunology which can be addressed using each cell culture model.