This book deals with apoptosis or programmed cell death of B and T lymphocytes as well as their precursors. It provides the most recent conceptual insights into the complex field of apoptosis regulation in normal and pathological situations. Written by leading experts in the field, each chapter offers a succinct state-of-the-art review, emphasizing the conceptual integration of data over their mere accumulation. The reader will profit from a collection of outstanding surveys that cover both fundamental and practical aspects of lymphocyte apoptosis. In the era of molecular biology, the immunologically interested public should be aware of the enormous importance of apoptosis for immune homeostasis. This volume provides an ideal introduction into this burning topic.