Over the last decade, major advances have been made in understanding the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in cellular functions. They are universally expressed by all living organisms and are one of the oldest protective mechanisms cells have against environmental stress. The present book is an effort to provide the reader with an overview on the broad and diverse role of HSPs in normal as well as abnormal animal and human physiology. It covers topics ranging from the role of HSPs in immune system and cancer biology to their effects in regulating the reproductive cycle. Each chapter has been written by well-respected investigators in the field, providing a well-balanced concise review of the subject.