Provides an overview of the effects of environmentally and occupationally important metals on the immune system and host defence. The fist ten chapters in the text focus on particular metals or groups of metals, including arsenic, beryllium, cadmiun, chronium, lead, mercury, nickel and vanadium. Subsequent chapters examine the immunotoxicological effects of trace metals such as indium and platinum and essential metals such as iron, zinc and copper. The main emphasis is on the "in vivo" and "in vitro" effects of these metals on host immune responses in a variety of mammalian species including humans. Each chapter also briefly reviews the history, use, occurance, biology and toxicology of the metals.

Milestones in Immunology: Based on Collected Papers contains scientific milestones relating to the history of medicine over the past two centuries. The book highlights the contributions of pioneering scientists whose discoveries have paved the way for researchers working in the field of immunology. As the science of immunology grew from knowledge that survivors of common infectious diseases rarely contracted them again, the book uses this as a central thesis, helping readers understand how the adaptive immune system aids in defense against pathogens. In addition, the book covers special fields, such as immunohistochemistry, immunogenetics and immunopathology. For the past century, immunology has fascinated and inspired some of the greatest scientists of our time. Numerous Nobel Prizes have been awarded for fundamental discoveries in immunology, from Paul Ehrlich' work on antibodies (1908) to the studies of Zinkernagel and Doherty (1986) elucidating mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity.

Cervical cancer is a major disease worldwide, with 500,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Through aetiological studies, an association has been established with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection throughout the pathological spectrum of this disease. Studies of the molecular and biological basis for the role of HPV in cervical lesions involve clinicians, virologists, cell and molecular biologists, and most recently immunologists. This book is a review of HPV infection in cervical cancer, providing the background to the potential for immunological intervention. Individual chapters have been written so that the reader, irrespective of level or discipline, can follow the text, and each is integrated so that the book as a whole provides a detailed insight into the most relevant scientific issues of HPV and cervical cancer. This book should provide an interface for students, scientists and clinicians with a realistic and critical evaluation of the advances and problems in the implementation of immunologically based prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in HPV-associated disease. This book should be of use to postgraduate students, research scientists and clinicians involved in eith

Cytokine Effector Functions in Tissues discusses the cytokines networks in the context of the specific-tissue environment. It is an up-to-date collection of articles that addresses the specific issue of how the cytokines are able to condition tissue specific homeostasis. The book helps the reader understand how cytokines network inside the tissues and highlights whether tissue-protection or exacerbation will be finally controlled. It describes the cytokines detected and regulated in different tissues, such as the brain, lungs, spleen, liver, pancreas and intestine, also addressing the issue of timing in specific cell types.

Antibodies are indispensable tools for research, diagnosis, and therapy. Recombinant approaches allow the modification and improvement of nearly all antibody properties, such as affinity, valency, specificity, stability, serum half-life, effector functions, and immunogenicity. "Antibody Engineering" provides a comprehensive toolbox covering the well-established basics but also many exciting new techniques. The protocols reflect the latest "hands on" knowledge of key laboratories in this still fast-moving field. Newcomers will benefit from the proven step-by-step protocols, which include helpful practical advice; experienced antibody engineers will appreciate the new ideas and approaches. The book is an invaluable resource for all those engaged in antibody research and development.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 99 continues is one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology, containing comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. This volume presents comprehensive information on a variety of topics, including the Physiological Role of Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in Food-Associated Lactic Acid Bacteria, Fungal Bio recovery of Gold from E-Waste, Stone-Eating Fungi: Mechanisms in Bio weathering and the Potential Role of Laccases in Black Slate Degradation with the Basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune, and the Arsenic Detoxification System in Corynebacteria: Basis and Application for Bioremediation and Redox Control. This serial's eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, including protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes, the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays, and the role of polyamines in bacterial growth and biofilm formation.

This volume reviews the current state of research on the IgM antibody and its multiple receptors and binding proteins. Interactions of the IgM ligands with these molecules are important for protection against infections as a first line of defense, as well as for regulation of immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens. The book includes up-to-date information on: (i) the phylogeny of three IgM-binding receptors [polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR), Fc receptor for both IgA and IgM (Fc /R), and Fc receptor for IgM only (FcR)]; (ii) the lymphocyte-restricted distribution and unique ligand-binding activity of FcR; (iii) the definition and potential function of Fc receptor-like molecule A (FCRLA) as a resident endoplasmic reticulum protein that binds IgM, but also IgG and IgA; (iv) IgM antibody-mediated enhancement of humoral immune responses, highlighting the importance of complement and its receptors, (v) the numerous important roles of IgM natural antibodies in regulation of inflammation. It is an invaluable resource for researchers and clinicians alike.

This book centers on gene therapy and gene transfer approaches to prevent or treat chronic virus infections. The main focus is on the Big Three: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ample anti-HIV drugs are currently available in the clinic and the development of an effective combination therapy has dramatically improved the lifespan and quality of life of infected individuals. A similar trend can already be recognized for HBV and HCV: the development of multiple (directly acting) antiviral drugs and plans to control or even cure the infection. However, approaches that help prevent infection, or which provide long-lasting treatment (such as a cure) remain important goals. Immunization through gene transfer vehicles encoding immunogenic viral proteins shows promise in preventing infections with complex, highly variable, viruses such as HIV-1 or HCV. Gene therapy applications for virus infections have been discussed since the early 1990's. Whereas a true cure seems difficult to achieve for HIV-1 due to its intrinsic property to deposit its genome into that of the host, such attempts may be within reach for HCV where spontaneous viral clearance occurs in a small percentage of the infected individuals. The prospect of original gene therapy approaches may provide alternative ways to reach the same endpoint by, for example, silencing of CCR5 expression post-transcriptionally. Many alternative antiviral strategies have been developed based on a variety of novel molecular methods: e.g. ribozymes. Some studies have progressed towards pre-clinical animal models and a few antiviral gene therapies have progressed towards clinical trials. This book provides an overview of this rapidly progressing field, while focusing on the interface of gene therapy and immunology/vaccinology.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Andrew A. White, is devoted to Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease. Articles in this issue include: An Overview of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Reactions; The Clinical Presentation of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease; Diagnostic Evaluation in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease; Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease as an Endotype of Chronic Rhinosinusitis; Pathogenesis of Aspirin Reactions in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease; Performing Aspirin Desensitization; Clinical Trials in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Treatment; Eosinophils and Mast Cells in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease; Mechanisms of Benefit with Aspirin Therapy; Lipid Mediators in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease; and Epigenetic and Genetic Components of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

This book discusses the relationship between cellular immunity and tryptophan metabolism, as well as its products, serotonin and melatonin, in the development of several diseases and reappraises the common signal transduction pathways of the neurodegenerative diseases, carcinogenesis, immune tolerance, inflammation, hypersensitivity reactions, neuropsychiatric disorders, in addition to bacterial tryptophan biosynthesis and novel antimicrobials. Tryptophan Metabolism: Implications for Biological Processes, Health and Disease presents fundamental information on tryptophan related metabolic pathways and metabolites, implications of these products for specific biological processes, diseases and conditions. This book focuses on effects of tryptophan metabolites on human health and will appeal to researchers, clinicians and students within this field.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults. More than 2.3 million people are affected by MS worldwide. Symptoms can vary widely, depending on the localization and amount of the damage induced by combined inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative processes. Although a cure for MS does not currently exist, therapies can help treat MS attacks, attenuate disease activity, reduce progress of the disease, and manage symptoms. Translational Neuroimmunology in Multiple Sclerosis provides an overview of recent findings and knowledge of the neuroimmunology of multiple sclerosis, from experimental models and the human disease to the translation of this research to immunotherapeutic strategies. Chapters describe genetic and environmental factors underlying the disease pathogenesis of MS as a basis for development of immunotherapies, immunological markers of disease activity, pharmacogenetics, and responses to therapy. Immunomodulatory therapies currently in practice and future therapeutic strategies on the horizon-such as neuroprotective strategies, stem cells, and repair promotion-are discussed. Contributed by renowned leaders in the field, this cross-disciplinary volume is a great resource for basic scientists and clinical practitioners in neuroscience, neurology, immunology, pharmacology, and in-drug development.

Cytokines and Mental Health explores the relationship between cytokines, neural circuitry and mental health. It is interdisciplinary and "translational," bringing together information that spans the spectrum from the molecular and cellular levels to the patient and the clinic. Content includes chapters that discuss cytokine pathways in the brain, the neurochemical and neuroendocrine effects of cytokines, and the behavioral effects of cytokines including sickness behavior. These chapters in basic research are followed by a more clinical section that discusses the role of cytokines in neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The book offers different things to different people. It should be of great interest to neuroscientists and immunologists working in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. It would also greatly benefit mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists and clinicians of diverse background who are interested in mind-body medicine.

Immunochemistry of Solid-Phase Immunoassay fills a niche in the field of immunoassay and immunology. Although solid-phase immunoassay constitutes a major technology in biology and medicine, there is no comprehensive source devoted to the immunochemical principles involved. As a result, this book will benefit students, technicians, and researchers who use this technology, as well as immunodiagnostic and biotech companies who develop the technology. The book is not a methods manual; instead, it incorporates the concepts, data, and opinions of more than 25 investigators working in this field. Topics discussed include: the chemistry of solid-phases, the behavior or antibodies and antigens on solid phases, membrane solid-phases, reaction kinetics, antigen quantitation, enzyme systems, photophysics, immunochemical considerations in data analyses, multianalyte assays and occupancy concepts, antibody quantitation, streptavidin, a review of data analysis software, and solid-phase peptide immunoassay.

Leading researchers synthesize scattered experimental data to help develop an intimate understanding of how cytokines and chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The many chapters offer critical reviews the basic mechanisms controlling cytokine induction and regulation, as well as the resulting production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, the former of which induces organ-specific autoimmune diseases. From the vantage of these insights, they address the role of cytokines in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, uvetis, encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, human type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and myasthenia gravis. Authoritative and state-of-the-art, Cytokines and Autoimmune Disease highlights the enormous therapeutic potential of cytokine modulation in the treatment of autoimmune disease.

This book represents a new and hopeful paradigm for treatment of diseases that are spreading globally as countries adopt Western lifestyles and standards of living. It describes the phenomenal science and clinical efficacy of the work of Dr Xiu-Min Li across a broad array of immune and inflammatory diseases. These include food allergies, asthma, eczema, 'new' diseases such as mast cell disorders, obesity, and mental health problems that are part of a worldwide 'epidemic of progress'.The most allergic people are caught in a cycle of medication, steroid dependency, emergency hospitalization, and curtailing their activities and diets to avoid triggers. Children are 'losing their childhoods.' They are fighting a battle against diet, climate change, and environmental degradation. Dr Li offers them hope by healing the entire immune system, not just address symptoms. In her practice Dr Li treats complex combinations of allergic diseases for all ages, from infancy through adulthood, bringing relief to people who have suffered terribly from oozing, bleeding skin, desperate breathing disorders, and life-threatening food allergies. She uses her vast knowledge of biochemistry to improve on the traditional decoctions to create refined versions suitable for modern tastes and lifestyles. In contrast with Western pharmaceuticals, which are the study of 'one molecule's effects on one other molecule' Dr Li's work shows the effects of multiple molecules on multiple other molecules. Increasing numbers of scientists are beginning to see the possibilities for their own research, with the prospects for more collaborations with prestigious institutions around the world. allergyblogawardsuk.co.uk/5-managing-asthma-allergies-with-henry-erlich/

This book represents a new and hopeful paradigm for treatment of diseases that are spreading globally as countries adopt Western lifestyles and standards of living. It describes the phenomenal science and clinical efficacy of the work of Dr Xiu-Min Li across a broad array of immune and inflammatory diseases. These include food allergies, asthma, eczema, 'new' diseases such as mast cell disorders, obesity, and mental health problems that are part of a worldwide 'epidemic of progress'.The most allergic people are caught in a cycle of medication, steroid dependency, emergency hospitalization, and curtailing their activities and diets to avoid triggers. Children are 'losing their childhoods.' They are fighting a battle against diet, climate change, and environmental degradation. Dr Li offers them hope by healing the entire immune system, not just address symptoms. In her practice Dr Li treats complex combinations of allergic diseases for all ages, from infancy through adulthood, bringing relief to people who have suffered terribly from oozing, bleeding skin, desperate breathing disorders, and life-threatening food allergies. She uses her vast knowledge of biochemistry to improve on the traditional decoctions to create refined versions suitable for modern tastes and lifestyles. In contrast with Western pharmaceuticals, which are the study of 'one molecule's effects on one other molecule' Dr Li's work shows the effects of multiple molecules on multiple other molecules. Increasing numbers of scientists are beginning to see the possibilities for their own research, with the prospects for more collaborations with prestigious institutions around the world. allergyblogawardsuk.co.uk/5-managing-asthma-allergies-with-henry-erlich/

In the seventeenth century, smallpox reigned as the world's worst killer. Luck, more than anything else, decided who would live and who would die. That is, until Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an English aristocrat, moved to Constantinople and noticed the Turkish practice of "ingrafting" or inoculation, which, she wrote, made "the small- pox...entirely harmless." Convinced by what she witnessed, she allowed her six-year-old son to be ingrafted, and the treatment was a complete success--the young Montagu enjoyed lifelong immunity from smallpox. Lady Montagu's discovery would, however, remain a quiet one; it would be almost 150 years before inoculation (in the more modern form of vaccination) would become widely accepted while the medical community struggled to understand the way our bodies defend themselves against disease.
William Clark's At War Within takes us on a fascinating tour through the immune system, examining the history of its discovery, the ways in which it protects us, and how it may bring its full force to bear at the wrong time or in the wrong place. Scientists have only gradually come to realize that this elegant defense system not only has the potential to help, as in the case of smallpox, but also the potential to do profound harm in health problems ranging from allergies to AIDS, and from organ transplants to cancer. Dr. Clark discusses the myriad of medical problems involving the immune system, and he systematically explains each one. For example, in both tuberculosis and AIDS, the underlying pathogens take up residence within the immune system itself, something Clark compares to having a prowler take up residence in your house, crawling around through the walls and ceilings while waiting to do you in. He discusses organ transplants, showing how the immune system can work far too well, and touching on the heated ethical debate over the use of both primate and human organs. He explores the mind's powerful ability to influence the performance of the immune system; and the speculation that women, because they have developed more powerful immune systems in connection with childbearing, are more prone than men to contract certain diseases such as lupus. In a fascinating chapter on AIDS, arguably the most deadly epidemic seen on Earth since the smallpox, Clark explains how the disease originated and the ways in which it operates. And, in each section, we learn about the most recent medical breakthroughs.
At first glance, it may appear that our immune system faces daunting odds; it must learn to successfully fend off, not thousands, but millions of different types of microbes. Fortunately, according to Clark, it would be almost impossible to imagine a more elegant strategy for our protection than the one chosen by our immune system, and his At War Within provides a thorough and engaging explanation of this most complex and delicately balanced mechanism.

Now, it its second edition, this book summarizes the role of immune cells in tumor suppression and progression. It describes in detail why tumor cells can survive and spread in spite of the antitumor response of immune cells. Since immunotherapy is an attractive approach to cancer therapy, this book also provides information on the two main strategies: monoclonal antibodies and adaptive T cell immunotherapy, with a focus on recent human clinical trials. A newly added chapter also focuses on the role of Natural Killer cells in tumor progression. The book provides a state-of-the-art, comprehensive overview of immune cells in cancer and is an indispensable resource for researchers and practitioners working or lecturing in the field of cancer research and immunology.

Mechanism of Action and Rationale for the Use of Biological Response Modifiers, Differentiating Agents and Nucleoside Analogues in Combination: Cytokine Synergy in Immunotherapy (J.W. Hadden et al.). Monitoring Combination Therapy Trials (J.L. Rossio et al.). Combination Chemotherapy and BRM Therapy in the Treatment of Cancer: Cancer Immunochemotherapy (G. Graziani et al.). Combination of Chronic Indomethacin and Intermittent IL2 Therapy in the Treatment of Disseminated Cancer (P.K. Lala et al.). Biological Response Modifiers and Differentiating Agents in Myelodisplastic Syndromes (A. Venditti et al.). Single and Combination Therapy with BRM's in the Treatment of Infectious Diseases, AIDS, and Autoimmunity: AntiCytokine Therapy of Murine Candidiasis (L. Romani et al.). The Basic Research and Clinical Application of Thymopeptidin (C.X. Zheng et al.). Combination AntiHIV Therapy (T.C. Merigan). 22 additional articles. Index.

Stem Cell Biology in Health and Disease presents an up-to-date overview about the dual role of stem cells in health and disease. The Editors have drawn together an international team of experts providing chapters which, in this fully-illustrated volume, discuss:

- the controversial debate on the great expectations concerning stem cell based regeneration therapies raised by the pluripotency of various stem cells.
- the advantages and concerns about embryonic stem cells (ES cells), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and adult stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDCs).
- the type of stem cells, which has become of interest in the past decade, namely so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are now in the focus of cancer research since the eradication of tumour initiating cells would raise the changes of definitely cure cancer.

Professor Dittmar and Professor Zanker have edited a must-read book for researchers and professionals working in the field of regenerative medicine and/or cancer."

This volume provides a collection of methodologies for basic research, clinical diagnosis, and treatment pertaining to food allergens, including food allergen production, purification, characterization, detection, quantification, and bioinformatics approaches to modern food allergen studies. The chapters in the book are divided into 4 parts: Part I discusses food allergen purification and production, and explores methods of producing recombinant food allergens in bacterial and yeast expression systems; Part II looks at allergen discovery, detection, and quantification covering 3 types of methods-DNA-, protein-, and cell-based methods; Part III focuses on allergenic epitope mapping; and Part IV talks about future developments concentrated around new concepts of allergenicity as an outcome of protein and food matrix interactions. 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 comprehensive, Food Allergens: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for immunologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and medical doctors and students working in the food allergy field. This book is also useful for people in the food industry, legislators, food standard agencies, allergologists, pediatricians, and clinicians in the allergic diseases and immunology fields.

The recent explosion of information in innate immune pathways for recognition, effect or responses, and genetic regulation has given impetus to investigations into analogous pathways in the human immune response, which in turn has produced attendant insights into both normal physiology and immunopathology. This volume presents a compendium of methods and protocols for the investigation of human innate immunity with application to the study of normal immune function, immunosenescence, autoimmunity and infectious diseases. Among the topics covered are quantitative flow cytometry for Toll-like receptor expression and function; multidimensional single cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) in complex immune interactions and tumor immunity; imaging techniques such as Imagestream high resolution microscopy coupled to flow cytometry, immune cell infiltration of organotypic, biomimetic organs; high-throughput single cell secretion profiling; multiplexed transcriptomic profiling; microsatellite and microRNA methodologies, RNA interference; and the latest bioinformatics and biostatistical methodologies, including in-depth statistical modeling, genetic mapping, and systems approaches.

Osteoimmunology: Interactions of the Immune and Skeletal Systems, Second Edition, explores the advancements that have been made in the field during the last 40 years, including valuable information on our understanding of the interactions between hematopoietic, immune, and bone cells, now known as the field of osteoimmunology. This comprehensive work offers the most extensive summaries of research trends in the field and their translation into new therapeutics. Early chapters deal with the development of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, hematopoietic stem cells, T and B-lymphocytes, and communications between these cellular elements, while later sections contain discussions of the signaling pathways by which RANKL influences osteoclast development and function. Subsequent chapters explore the effects that estrogen has on bone and the immune system, the development of pathologic conditions, and the growing research around osteoporosis, Paget's disease, the genetics of bone disease, and bone cancer metastasis.

Like many words, the term "immunomics" equates to different ideas contingent on context. For a brief span, immunomics meant the study of the Immunome, of which there were, in turn, several different definitions. A now largely defunct meaning rendered the Immunome as the set of antigenic peptides or immunogenic proteins within a single microorganism - be that virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite - or microbial population, or antigenic or allergenic proteins and peptides derived from the environment as a whole, containing also proteins from eukaryotic sources. However, times have changed and the meaning of immunomics has also changed. Other newer definitions of the Immunome have come to focus on the plethora of immunological receptors and accessory molecules that comprise the host immune arsenal. Today, Immunomics or immunogenomics is now most often used as a synonym for high-throughput genome-based immunology. This is the study of aspects of the immune system using high-throughput techniques within a conc- tual landscape borne of both clinical and biophysical thinking.

This book provides readers with a collection of latest reviews written by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) research leaders who cover topics related to CHIKV replication, advances in CHIKV research reagents and model system development, as well as the pathogenesis of chronic CHIKV disease. Moreover, the volume updates on recent progress in the development of therapeutics and vaccines for treatment and prevention of CHIKV-induced disease. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that has re-emerged to become a significant global disease threat. Although CHIKV has historically been associated with localized outbreaks of debilitating polyarthralgia in Africa and Asia, factors such as increased global travel and viral adaptation to new mosquito vectors have led to the introduction and spread of CHIKV in new regions of the world, including the Americas. The re-emergence of CHIKV has stimulated significant interest both in understanding the biology of CHIKV and in the development of medical countermeasures against the virus.