The heat shock proteins and molecular chaperones form large gene families and are active in every cellular compartment, regulating protein folding, translocation and complex assembly. A sequel to the 1990 volume, Stress Proteins in Biology and Medicine, this monograph updates progress and introduces new fields of investigation. Particular emphasis is given to the biochemical properties of hs proteins and chaperones in protein biogenesis, the role of hs proteins in thermotolerance and cytoprotection, transcriptional regulation of hs genes, and the function of the hs response in immunology and disease.

This is a thoughtful and comprehensive account of a field of investigation that has been developing at a breathtaking pace. The book is a vital resource for investigators in cell biology, protein biochemistry and molecular genetics, and those with interests in immunity, ischemic disease and aging.