Like an army of millions ready to defend its territory, the human immune system acts as the body's primary line of defense-a complex network of interacting cells that protects us from pathogens and other foreign substances. But many components of the immune system exhibit change after prolonged, heavy exertion, indicating that it is suppressed and stressed, albeit transiently, following prolonged endurance exercise. For marathon runners, distance swimmers and any other endurance athlete who undergoes repeated cycles of heavy exertion, a weakened immune system could lead to health complications such as respiratory infection. As a result, interest in various nutrient supplements with the potential to counter exercise-induced immunosuppression has grown. Nutrition and Exercise Immunology reviews the link between nutrition and immune function, with special application to athletic endeavor. Written by respected researchers in sports medicine and exercise immunology, this text covers topics such as carbohydrates and the immune response to prolonged exertion; protein, exercise, and immunity; and vitamins, immunity, and infection risk in athletes. It also takes a look at future directions in nutrition and exercise immunology. For sports medicine professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, exercise immunologists, as well as endurance athletes, Nutrition and Exercise Immunology provides an important and in-depth look into this exciting, new area of scientific research.

The genus Chlamydia encompasses a number of species of obligate intracellular bacteria, including important human pathogens like the most common bacterial agent of sexually transmitted disease. This volume reviews current knowledge of chlamydial biology, covering the unusual structure of the bacteria - which alternate between metabolically almost inactive and fast-dividing forms. It also discusses the ways in which Chlamydia manipulates the host cytoskeleton and subverts the host cell's defence, and illustrates how genomics have begun to uncover the diversity and complexity of chlamydial strains that look very similar but may cause distinct forms of disease. Further, it describes how techniques are now finally being established that can genetically modify Chlamydia, and discusses why such modification is still very difficult and what progress we can expect. Lastly, it presents our current understanding of chlamydial disease: what do we know about chronic infections, what are the mechanisms of inflammatory damage, and what are the prospects of a vaccine? Written be specialists in these various areas, the book is a valuable work of reference for students and scientists with an interest in the molecular, cellular and immunobiology of these fascinating bacteria.

This book contains contributions of leading international scientists who participated at the NATO-ASI conference 'Stem cells and their potential for clinical application' that was held in Kiev and Simeiz (Ukraine) from August 23 - 31, 2006. The articles cover a broad range of hot topics in stem cell and leukaemia research. Those include the potential of various stem cell types in regenerative and transplantation medicine, different mechanisms of malignant transformation leading to leukaemia development, as well as novel clinical strategies for malignant disease treatment such as adoptive immunotherapy with gene-modified lymphocytes. The mixture of articles by principal scientists from Northern America, as well as Eastern and Western Europe, provides a comprehensive overview on 'What's going on' in various parts of the world in such broadly discussed fields as 'stem cell research', 'immunotherapy' or 'gene therapy'.

Basics of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Immunotherapy presents the latest on how T cell adoptive immunotherapy has progressed in its ultimate goal of curing metastatic malignant cancers. Recent clinical data obtained with checkpoint receptor blockade inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy has been especially promising, thus generating renewed hope that we may be on the verge of finally curing cancer. Over the years, huge progress has been made in controlling several stage IV metastasized cancers through the clinical application of checkpoint receptor inhibitory drugs and CAR-Therapy that has seen unprecedented interest in the immunotherapy field.

This book summarizes the development and statistical validation of a guinea pig model as an alternative for potency testing of the viral antigens included in combined vaccines applied in cattle to control the respiratory, reproductive, and neonatal calf diarrhea syndromes. The model allows, in one serum sample, to test the vaccine quality for all the viral antigens included in aqueous as well as in oil-adjuvanted formulations of bovine vaccines. The methodology proposed for the control of bovine herpes virus, parainfluenza, and rotavirus were recommended by CAMEVET as guidelines for the 30 countries in the forum, including the US. Key Features Reviews combined vaccines used for cattle Summarizes animal models used for vaccine testing Focuses on bovine herpesviruses, rotaviruses, parainfluenza, and bovine viral diarrhea virus Provides guidance on the effectiveness of the Guinea Pig model for testing vaccine immunogenicity

The first International Conference on Oral Mucosal Immunity and Microbiome (OMIM) aimed to highlight cutting-edge basic and translational research from an oral immunological and microbiological perspective. Oral diseases with a microbial etiology are the most prevalent chronic diseases of humans. Whilst not life-threatening, they can significantly compromise quality of life, are associated with increased risk for certain systemic diseases, and pose heavy financial burdens to national health systems. Hence, periodontal and peri-implant diseases, dental caries, root canal infections and mucosal infections are significant global public health problems. In this book global experts summarize and discuss the latest progress made in oral mucosal immunity and the oral microbiome. Target audience is basic and/or translational researchers with expertise in host immunity and microbiome research, and interest in oral health and disease. This volume provides a much needed quantum leap in the field, by joining forces to address gaps at the oral mucosal immunity-microbiome cross-talk.

Hepatocyte and Kupffer Cell Interactions presents a comprehensive discussion of historical and recent information regarding this diverse field of research. The role of Kupffer cells and hepatoctyes in normal physiology, nonseptic pathological states, and in sepsis is examined. Microanatomy and methods of experimental study are covered as well. In each of the book's chapters, the role of the Kupffer cell and hepatocyte interaction is placed in context with information on particular liver functions or disease states. Hepatocyte and Kupffer Cell Interactions is an essential reference for leukocyte specialists, gastroenterologists, immunologists, and other researchers working in this fascinating field.

This book reviews the role of glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendroglia, satellite cells, and Schwann cells) in neuronal health and diseases. It discusses the latest advances in understanding their origin, differentiation, and hemostasis. The book also examines the role of microglial cells in central nervous system (CNS) development, maintenance, and synaptic plasticity. Further, the book presents the functions of astrocytes in healthy CNS and their critical role in CNS disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Notably, the book describes the pathobiology, molecular pathogenesis, stem cells, and imaging characteristics of gliomas. It defines the role of glial cells in regulating iron homeostasis and their effect on the neurodegeneration of neurons. Lastly, it covers the structure, function, and pathology of oligodendrocytes and their role in neuronal health and disease.

This volume provides methods and techniques to further the study of cancer immunoprevention. Chapters describe tumor-associated antigens, cancer immune-preventive vaccines, generation of TILs, development of monoclonal antibodies, immunoprofiling technologies, tissue multispectral imaging techniques, mass cytometry on suspensions, mutiparametric flow cytometry, genomic expression analysis, and proteomic profiling of tumor microenvironment cell populations and metabolic assessment through novel imaging technologies. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Cancer Immunoprevention: Methods and Protocol aims to further understanding, development of interventional active strategies, and immune-interception of cancer.

Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.

In the field of immunology, type 1 diabetes has become one of the major areas of investigation with studies that span from characterization of key molecules to trials for the prevention of the disease.
Type 1 Diabetes: Molecular, Cellular and Clinical Immunology communicates both the background and the most recent understanding of this disorder, which will almost certainly be central to elucidating the etiology of autoimmunity, and in particular of organ specific autoimmunity. The book covers immunogenetics, immunopathogenesis, epidemiology, disease prediction and clinical application of current knowledge.
Both scientists seeking to understand and prevent type 1 diabetes/autoimmunity as well as physicians caring for families with type 1 diabetes will be interested in this book.

The purpose of this book is to provide information which supports the fact that rat hybridomas are no more difficult to develop than mouse hybridomas. This is the first book devoted to the development of rat hybridomas. It includes theories, step-by-step techniques, ingredients and apparatus. The focus of this work is on the antibody repertoire, the unique biological properties of rat immunoglobulins, the one-step purification procedure by immunoaffinity chromatography, the absence of C-type particles, and the easy production of large amounts of ascitic fluid containing rat MAb. This rare publication is an absolute must for all scientists using MAbs and those interested in the fields of immunology, biotechnology, and biochemistry.

Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.

There are millions of people who experience issues related to brain health-depression, attention issues, anxiety, forgetfulness, fatigue, and even chronic pain-yet can't figure out what's causing their problems and can't find any relief. They may have seen a myriad of doctors, many of whom do not take their complaints seriously, or worse, turn to the easy, often inappropriate fix of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Traditional medications, supplements, or other therapies haven't worked. No matter what their age-from children to teens or seniors-people and their loved ones are frustrated, scared, and confused by their continued poor health. Countless others display severe psychiatric symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere, ranging from tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety, to depression, bipolar-like mood swings, and even borderline personality disorder and suicidal ideas. Sometimes, the people affected are the only ones that notices a change to the way they think or feel, and they suffer in silence. Or, they reach out to try to get help, and are all too frequently misdiagnosed. David Younger, a world-renowned physician, provides relief to these patients and their families. His diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols will help readers identify the true cause of their symptoms and put them on a clear path to healing so they no longer feel unbalanced, out of control, forgetful, and exhausted. The Autoimmune Brain connects common brain health symptoms to the changes in the immune system, and particularly bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Younger explains his groundbreaking research and adds a new component: how traumatic stress (whether physical or emotional) and genetics affects this same triad as inextricable factors in initiating disease and brain health symptoms. In fact, a change in personality, behavior, coping style, and one's emotional state may be the first clue that there is a health problem brewing somewhere else in the body. Readers will find new answers to troubling conditions, including: Alzheimer's disease; Anxiety; Arthritis; Autism; Autonomic disturbances; Bacterial and viral infections; Bipolar Disorder; Cancer; Celiac disease and gluten intolerances; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease); Chronic Pain; Dementia; Depression; Endocrine Disorders; Immune modulatory therapy using IVIg; Lyme disease and co-infections; Mast cell activation syndrome; Medical cannabis; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Orthostatic hypotension; Peripheral Neuropathy; Porphyria; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and Postural orthostatic tachycardia.

This book explains how the immune system functions, namely, how individual cells of the immune system make the decision to respond or not to respond to foreign microbes and molecules, and how the critical molecules function to trigger the cellular reactions in an all-or-none (quantal) manner. To date, there has not been a complete description of the immune system and its cells and molecules, primarily because most of the information has accumulated only in the last 40 years and our understanding has been expanding rapidly only in the last 20 years. It is now clear that the cells have evolved a way to "count" the number of foreign antigenic molecular "hits," and they only react when a critical number of events have accumulated. Subsequently, control over the reaction is transferred to a systemic lymphocytotrophic hormone system that determines the tempo, magnitude and duration of the immune reaction.

This book explains in detail how the immune system, cells and molecules work for the first time. With this understanding as a basis, the pathogenesis of autoimmunity can now be understood as a mutational usurpation of the genes encoding molecules that participate in a sensitive feedback regulatory control of the immune reaction. By comparison, malignant transformation is understood as a mutational usurpation of the genes encoding the molecules that control the quantal decision to proliferate, so that normal ligand/receptor cell growth control is circumvented. This molecular understanding of the immune system is especially important for the design of successful vaccines, and also explains why vaccines fail.

This volume provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of fibrocytes, written by the main researchers in the field. It is aimed at a broad audience of scientists and clinicians with an interest in the role of circulating fibrocytes in the etiopathogenesis of different fibrosing disorders, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and cancer.

This volume explores the latest advancements in the field of cell cycle checkpoints and their implications for human diseases. Chapters in this book cover topics such as post-translationally modified p53 by western blotting; CHK1 cellular localization by immunofluorescence microscopy; DNA affinity purification; knockdown of target genes by siRNA in vitro; and calreticulin exposure in mitotic catastrophe. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Cell Cycle Checkpoints: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researcher interested in learning more about this developing field.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America, Guest Edited by Dr. Lisa Kobrynski, is devoted to Primary Immune Deficiencies. Articles in this issue include: Personalized therapy: Immunoglobulin replacement for antibody deficiency; Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency: Update on newborn screening and lessons learned; Update on Advances in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders; Hereditary Autoinflammatory Disorders: Recognition and treatment of inflammatory disorders of the immune system; Use of Immunomodulatory Agents to Treat Primary Immune Deficiencies: Mechanism-based therapy; Secondary Hypogammaglobulinemia: An increasingly recognized complication of treatment with immunomodulators and post-solid organ transplantation; Use of Vaccines in Primary Immunodeficiency; Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Complications of Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders; Hyper IgE Syndromes; Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease; and Genome Testing to Diagnose Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders and to Identify Targeted Therapy.

Immune Biology of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Models in Discovery and Translation, Second Edition once again provides clinical and scientific researchers with a deep understanding of the current research in this field and the implications for translational practice. By providing an overview of the immune biology of HSCT, an explanation of immune rejection, and detail on antigens and their role in HSCT success, this book embraces biologists and clinicians who need a broad view of the deeply complex processes involved. It then moves on to discuss the immunobiology mechanisms that influence graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), graft-versus-leukemia effect, and transplantation success. Using illustrative figures, highlighting key issues, describing recent successes, and discussing unanswered questions, this book sums up the current state of HSCT to enhance the prospects for the future. The second edition is fully revised and includes new chapters on microbiome, metabolism, kinase targets, micro-RNA and mRNA regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways in GVHD, innate lymphoid system development, recovery and function in GVHD, genetically engineered T-cell therapies, immune system engagers for GVHD and graft-versus-tumor, and hematopoietic cell transplant for tolerance induction in solid organ grafts.

Expert bench and clinical scientists join forces to concurrently review both the state-of-the-art in tumor immunology and its clinical translation into promising practical treatments. The authors explain in each chapter the scientific basis behind such therapeutic agents as monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, vaccines, and T-cells, and illustrate their clinical manipulation to combat cancer. Additional chapters address statistical analysis-both of clinical trials and assay evaluations-methods for the discovery of antigens, adoptive T cell therapy, and adaptive and innate immunity. The challenges in clinical trial design, the need for biomarkers of response-such as novel imaging techniques and immunologic monitoring-and the new advances and directions in cancer immunotherapy are also fully examined.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Flavia Hoyte and Rohit Katial, is devoted to Biomarkers in Allergy and Asthma. Articles in this issue include: Exhaled Nitric Oxide; Biomarkers in Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC); Role of Eosinophils in Asthma; Bronchoprovocation Testing in Asthma; Periostin and DPP4; Role of Neutrophils in Asthma; Urinary LTE4; Biomarkers in Nasal Polyps; IgE as a Biomarker in Asthma; Genetics of Asthma; and Biomarker-directed Therapies for Asthma.

In 1996, the National Bladder Foundation (NBF) was founded by a dedicated group of physicians and researchers propeIled by the urgent need to find better treatments for bladder disease. Committed to increasing bladder disease research and to supporting its research community, the NBF coordinates and sponsors the International Bladder Symposium (IBS) in Washington, DC. Now considered to be a premier scientific assembly, the IBS brings together international leaders in bladder disease research to present and discuss their findings. It is the only international conference where all areas of bladder disease research are exclusively covered and where bladder disease researchers are provided with a unique opportunity to share their results and theories. IBS participants contributed the research papers included in this publication in 2000 and 2001. AIl substantial areas of bladder disease research are addressed, including oncology and ceIlular biology, neurophysiology, neurogenic bladder and incontinence, immunology, inflammation and infection, muscle, matrix and obstruction, and new frontiers and therapies of the bladder. Assembled in one publication, these papers and their findings demonstrate the high scientific caliber of the dedicated researchers in this field and the potential for significant discoveries in treatment options in the next decade.

Continuing the Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy series, this volume explores the pathophysiology and therapy of rhinitis. The volume is introduced by a chapter describing the normal anatomy and physiology of the nose and sinuses. Against this background the contributing authors describe and discuss the immunological and pathological changes which occur in rhinitis. The various causes and the types of rhinitis - such as allergic, vasomotor, and infectious - are discussed as are the treatments available (pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery). The book concludes with a description of the animal models of rhinitis which are now available. This book will be of interest to bench scientists and clinicians alike.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Mariana C. Castells, MD, is devoted to Mastocytosis. Articles in this issue include: New Insight into Clonal Mast Cell Disorders Including Mastocytosis; Cutaneous Mastocytosis in Adults and Children: New Classification and Prognostic Factors; Hymenoptera Anaphylaxis as a Clonal Mast Cell Disorder; Non Clonal Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: A growing body of evidence; Familial Tryptasemia Syndromes: Genotyping and Symptoms; POTS and EDS: Entities Associated to Mast Cell Activation; KIT Mutations: New Insight and Diagnostic Value; Patients' Perceptions in Mast Cell Activation Disorders; Mast Cell Mediators of Significance in Clinical Practice; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition in Mast Cell Activation Disorders; Gastrointestinal Involvement in Mast Cell Activation Disorders; Bone Marrow Expression of Mast Cell Disorders; Genomics and Proteonomics in Clonal Mast Cell Disorders; and Pediatric Expression of Mast Cell Activation Disorders.

This book guides the reader through the latest research on the cytokine network, covering signaling pathways, control of the immune response, and potential therapeutics. Different cytokines stimulate diverse responses in various phases of inflammation and immunity, including the innate immune response, the generation of effector T cells, and the development of antibodies by the humoral immune system. It is now clear that the pathophysiology of many infectious, autoimmune, allergic, and malignant diseases can be largely explained by which cytokines are induced and subsequently regulate the cellular responses. In clinical medicine, cytokines are involved in a wide spectrum of diseases. This book describes in three parts the properties and roles of 15 key cytokines under physiological and pathological conditions. Part I presents nine cytokines associated with inflammatory disorders, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the recently identified new helper T (Th) subset: Th17 cells. Part II gives details of three cytokines associated with allergic disorders, including Th2 responses and recently identified types of innate cells. Part III describes three cytokines that are associated with immunological tolerance and anti-inflammation, including regulatory T (Treg) cells, IL-10-producing Treg (Tr1) cells, and inducible IL-35-producing Treg (iTr35) cells. Cytokines are considered to be important as therapeutic targets for specific agonists or antagonists in numerous immune and inflammatory diseases. The ultimate goal of this book is to facilitate the development of therapeutic treatments for such diseases which has been limited by an insufficient understanding of the biology of cytokines and the complicated network that they create.