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.

Immunology: A Short Course provides an overview of the physiology of the immune system and the pathophysiology of a broad range of immune-mediated diseases, offering accessible and comprehensive guidance to the basic concepts and clinical approaches in the discipline. Now in its eighth edition, this bestselling textbook has been fully updated to reflect our expanded knowledge of how the immune system develops and functions, and the ways in which these physiological phenomena can fail or be compromised. New chapters examine cells and organs of the immune system, organization and expression of lymphocyte antigen receptor genes, experimental systems and methods, and B- and T-cell development activation. Helping students gain an integrated understanding of immunology, this textbook: Offers substantial new and revised material, expanded clinical coverage, enhanced pedagogical features, and updated figures, tables, and references Features recent research advances and therapeutic successes in the field of immunology Includes a companion website containing multiple choice questions, electronic flashcards, downloadable figures, PowerPoint slides, and sample cases Can be supplemented with the Clinical Cases in Immunology companion book The eighth edition of Immunology: A Short Course is an ideal resource for life and health science students, dental and nursing students seeking a short course text, and basic scientists and clinical researchers looking to refresh their knowledge in the subject.

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.

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 book integrates topics in basic research and clinical medicine as well as molecular and cell biology. It presents innovative advances in the field of immunodeficiency syndromes and viral/bacterial respiratory infections, including a novel hyperbaric oxygen treatment for COVID-19. A comprehensive insight is offered into the unresolved molecular pathways in chemosensing that plays a vital role in detecting insufficient tissue oxygenation, as well as in sporting accomplishments. Other articles address cardiorespiratory and humoral responses to hypoxia, the function of cementum in the repair and regeneration of teeth, and periprosthetic fractures following hip arthroplasty in the elderly. The issue of the overwhelming burdens on caregivers to spinal injury patients, damaging both health and psychosocial status, is addressed. The book promotes translation of scientific advances to the general medical practice. It will be a valuable reference for clinical healthcare professionals and researchers interested in innovative practices to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases.

The Immune System and Mental Health fully investigates how immune-related cellular, molecular and anatomical changes impact mental functioning. The book combines human and animal studies to reveal immunological changes related to mental-health problems. In addition, users will find comprehensive information on new research related to the microbial composition of the gut, aka, the microbiome, and how it influences brain function and mental health. Common comorbidities with mental illness and their inherent immunological or inflammatory components are also covered. Written by leaders in the field, the book synthesizes basic and clinical research to provide a thorough understanding on the role of immunity in neuropsychiatry. Sociology, psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience and genetics have provided considerable explanations and solutions to some of the most intractable mental-health problems. But researchers are increasingly relying on investigations of the immune system to identify factors that can undermine and impair mental health. This book covers devastating mental-health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism-like spectrum disorders. In addition, degenerative disorders of the brain, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's-like dementia are explored.

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 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.

Structural Biology in Immunology, Structure/Function of Novel Molecules of Immunologic Importance delivers important information on the structure and functional relationships in novel molecules of immunologic interest. Due to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the immune system, the approach to the treatment of many immune-mediated diseases, including multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease has been dramatically altered. Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness of the critical role of the immune system in cancer biology. The improved central structure function relationships presented in this book will further enhance our ability to understand what defects in normal individuals can lead to disease.

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.

Dipeptidyl Aminopeptidases exert a potent modulatory role at an interface between immune mechanisms, metabolic responses, and neuroendocrine pathways. Experimental models and clinical studies addressing the role of these enzymes and the effect of specific inhibitors pave the way to novel therapeutic concepts in immunology, rheumatology, oncology, reproductive medicine and diabetes. Leading experts in the field will contribute to this book, which will present a state-of-the-art view on these enzymes at a time when our understanding of their function is growing ever more rapidly and therapeutic options have become imminent. The sections of the book will focus on various topics, including DP IV and related enzymes in: expression and function, metabolic disorders, immune mechanisms and immune disorders, neuronal diseases and cancer, and related drug development.

Mathematical Modeling and Immunology An enormous amount of human effort and economic resources has been directed in this century to the fight against cancer. The purpose, of course, has been to find strategies to overcome this hard, challenging and seemingly endless struggle. We can readily imagine that even greater efforts will be required in the next century. The hope is that ultimately humanity will be successful; success will have been achieved when it is possible to activate and control the immune system in its competition against neoplastic cells. Dealing with the above-mentioned problem requires the fullest pos sible cooperation among scientists working in different fields: biology, im munology, medicine, physics and, we believe, mathematics. Certainly, bi ologists and immunologists will make the greatest contribution to the re search. However, it is now increasingly recognized that mathematics and computer science may well able to make major contributions to such prob lems. We cannot expect mathematicians alone to solve fundamental prob lems in immunology and (in particular) cancer research, but valuable sup port, however modest, can be provided by mathematicians to the research aspirations of biologists and immunologists working in this field."

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.

Immunology, Volume 1: Immunotoxicology, Immunopathology, and Immunotherapy discusses the investment of time, effort and finance that go into making progress in preventing and/or curing serious diseases by using standard treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy). The use of these treatments is accompanied by unavoidable, devastating side effects. At the cost of being repetitious, it has to be emphasized that an improved understanding of the immune system, avoidance of unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking, intake of alcohol, perpetual stress, and lack of exercise) and early detection (using biomarkers) are the only three friends we have to at least delay the onset of serious diseases.

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.

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.

For many years, the immune and central nervous systems were thought to function independently with little or no interaction between the two. This view has und- gone dramatic changes over the past three decades. Indeed, we now know that there exists various feedback loops between the brain and immune systems that impact signi cantly upon different behavioral processes, including normal behavior and mental disorders. Pioneering efforts in generating this change were initiated by a number of early investigators. Included were those whose efforts were directed at establishing neuroimmune connections as well as others whose research focused upon the relationship between immunity, cytokines, and behavior. This book brings together outstanding scientists and clinicians who have made major contributions to the rapidly developing eld investigating the relationship between immunity and behavior. The book is divided into three parts. The rst part describes pathways by which the brain and immune systems communicate and int- act with each other. In the chapter "Cytokines and the Blood-Brain Barrier" p- vides insight into interactions between the blood-brain barrier and cytokines. Such interactions underlie basic communication between the immune system and brain that are present in normal as well as in disease conditions. In the chapter "Neu- chemical and Endocrine Responses to Immune Activation: The Role of Cytokines," the neurochemical and endocrine consequences of immune challenge and cytokine administration on central neurotransmitter activity are discussed.

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, edited by Dr. Steven Billings, will cover Dermatopathology. Topics covered in this issue include Blue nevi and related lesions, sentinel lymph node biopsies in melanoma, Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms, Tumor immunology related to melanoma, Molecular aspects of melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, Cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, Myeloid neoplasms, among others.

Autophagy: Cancer, Other Pathologies, Inflammation, Immunity, Infection, and Aging, Volume 12 discusses and details almost all aspects of the autophagy machinery in the context of health, cancer and other pathologies. Autophagy is more widely accepted as beneficial given its role in eliminating 'toxic assets' and promoting cell viability, hence, it has emerged as a new and potent modulator of disease progression that is both scientifically intriguing and clinically relevant. As the latest release in the Autophagy book series, users will find a detailed explanation of the role of molecular mechanisms.

Advances in Immunology, Volume 135, the latest in a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments and comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, with this latest update including chapters on GPCR Biology, the Role of Caveolin-1 in BCR and TCR Receptors, New Developments in the Chemokine Field, and The Complement System in Developmental Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration. Readers will find comprehensive information on molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.

Nanomedicine for Inflammatory Diseases is a cutting-edge resource for clinicians and scientists alike, working at the intersection of development and clinical therapeutics. This text is ideal for graduate level courses in nanomedicine, translational medicine, or inflammatory disease. This book is a progressive hallmark in translational medicine as it unites clinicians treating inflammatory disease with scientists developing experimental nanomedicine therapeutics. The commonality is made through a translational nanomedicine expert - bridging the gap between the laboratory benchtop and the clinical bedside.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 100 continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology, containing comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. This latest release includes specific chapters on a variety of topics, most notably, Current interventions for controlling pathogenic Escherichia coli, Microbial ecology and process technology of sourdough fermentation, Diversity, Application, and Synthetic Biology of Industrially Important Aspergillus Fungi, and Advances in the Microbial Ecology of Biohydrometallurgy. 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. Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome.