Ebola: Clinical Patterns, Public Health Concerns is a concise description and discussion of the Ebola virus and disease. The intended audience is medical practitioners, including those working in endemic areas as well as health-facility planners and public health practitioners. The book fills an important gap between large texts covering not only Ebola but other hemorrhagic fever viruses and brief pamphlet-style publications on the public health aspects of the infection. In light of the recent large outbreak in West Africa, this book is a part of the developing foundation needed to deal with emerging diseases.

T cells play a vital role mediating adaptive immunity, a specific acquired resistance to an infectious agent produced by the introduction of an antigen. There are a variety of T cell types with different functions. They are called T cells, because they are derived from the thymus gland. This volume discusses how T cells are regulated through the operation of signaling mechanisms. Topics covered include positive and negative selection, early events in T cell receptor engagement, and various T cell subsets.

This book explores the recent advances and integrations in molecular technology in food research platforms, which have revolutionized the way we discover and trace potential allergens in our food and drugs and how we utilize that for diagnosis and management. These different technologies for global allergenomic profiling in different kinds of food are discussed, including mass spectrometry, chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The book also addresses multiomics research with bioinformatics strategies in food allergy in terms of allergen characterization and quantitation, and covers applications in food allergy research from discovery to routine analysis.

One of the most promising new approaches for the prevention of HIV transmission, particularly for developing countries, involves topical, self-administered products known as microbicides. The development of microbicides is a long and complicated process, and this volume provides an overview of all the critical areas, from the selection of appropriate candidate molecules and their formulation, preclinical and clinical testing for safety and efficacy, strategies for product registration and finally, issues associated with product launch, distribution and access. The book will prove valuable to both those working in the field and all others who are interested in learning more about this product class, which has the potential to significantly impact the future of this devastating epidemic.

Infections caused by fungi have recently attracted the attention of both clinicians and basic researchers given the heavy burden they represent for any health system. The mortality and morbidity rates associated to mycosis are progressively rising simply because some of these diseases are still neglected by health-care workers and due to the changing sensitivity to antifungal drugs displayed by these organisms. In this book, both researchers and clinicians working in the medical mycology field explore the most recent literature about specific mycosis; placing in one concise chapter thoroughly revisions of the current knowledge on virulence factors, recognition by immune cells, immunoevasion, epidemiology, new diagnosis trends and therapeutics. This book is recommended to researchers, physicians and students interested in medical mycology.

Reflects the current state of scholarship in Buddhist Studies, its entries being written by specialists in many areas, presenting an accurate overview of Buddhist history, thought and practices, most entries having cross-referencing to others and bibliographical references. Contain around 1000 pages and 500,000 words, totalling around 1200 entries.

When the world stopped, all hopes rested on finding a vaccine. One team answered the call and were ready to act. But how do you develop a life-saving drug when every second counts and one mistake could be catastrophic?

Married couple and decades-long research partners Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci did just that within weeks of the pandemic breaking out. From convincing Big Pharma to support their ambitious project, to navigating political interference from the Trump administration and the European Union, the road to producing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was by no means smooth. But these cutting-edge innovators overcame every obstacle to provide more than two billion doses of the life-saving drug to countries all around the world in record time.

The Vaccine draws back the curtain on one of the most important medical breakthroughs of our age, containing contributions from the fascinating couple themselves, as well as more than 50 scientists, politicians, public health officials, and BioNTech staff.

Shedding a light on the science behind the breakthrough, The Vaccine tells the story of the trailblazers to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude. More suspenseful than a novel, this is a real-life story of an extraordinary race against time to save the world.

Cytokine involvement in the immune system's response to stress is now very well documented. Cytokine activity has been implicated in a variety of mental and physical diseases, and has been shown to have a significant role in fueling the vicious circle of depression and illness. The first edition of Cytokines: Stress and Immunity pointed out that the immune system does not stand alone, but is profoundly affected by other organ systems, especially the central nervous and the neuroendocrine systems, with cytokines being the common tool of communication. This edition continues on the trailblazing path of the original to once again present current research that informs our evolving understanding of how cytokines function and the clinical implications of cytokine activity. Completely rewritten by the top authorities in their fields, this volume includes 16 entirely new chapters, which document dramatic new developments. It provides a comprehensive overview of the role of cytokines in the neuroendocrine and immune systems, while also addressing the interactions between these systems. It examines cytokine activity and clinical implications from a number of perspectives, including those of immunology, pharmacology, oncology, endocrinology, and psychiatry. Researchers involved with the most specific aspects of cell signaling as well clinicians dealing with the effects of immunosuppression-related diseases will find a wealth of interesting and instantly applicable information. This new edition begins with an extended dedication and tribute to the late Robert A. Good, the father of modern immunology. It documents the life and groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Good who served as an editor for boththe former and current editions of this work.

The book describes a computational model of the immune system reaction, C-ImmSim, built along the lines of the computer model known as the Celada-Seiden model (CS-model). The computational counterpart of the CS-model is called IMMSIM which stands for IMMune system SIMulator. IMMSIM was written in 1992 by the physicist Phil E. Seiden and the immunologist Franco Celada. This model was built around the idea of developing a computerized system to perform experiments similar in vivo experiments; a tool developed to help biologists testing theories and hypothesis about how the immune system works. C-ImmSim is best viewed as a collection of models in a single program. It incorporates the principal core facts of today's immunological knowledge, such as the diversity of specific elements, MHC restriction, clonal selection, thymic education of T cells, antigen processing and presentation (both the cytosolic and endocytic pathways are implemented), cell-cell cooperation, homeostasis of cells created by the bone marrow, hyper mutation of antibodies, maturation of the cellular and humoral response, and memory. Besides, an antigen can represent a bacterium, a virus, or an allergen or a tumor cell. C-ImmSim has been recently customized to simulate the HIV-1 infection. Moreover, it can simulate the immunotherapy for cancer. These features are all present in the code and people can choose to turn them on and off at compiling time. The book presents the basic model as well as the various customizations to implement the description of different diseases and the way they have been used in practice to produce new knowledge either from hypothesis or from lab-experiment data. In this respect, the book can be used as a practical guide to implement a computational model with which to study a specific disease and to try to address realistic clinical questions.

This textbook focuses on the nascent field of Immunoepidemiology that addresses how differences in immune responses among individuals affect the epidemiology of infectious diseases, cancer, hypersensitivity, and autoimmunity. The idea for the book originated from a course entitled "Immunology for Epidemiologists" at the Yale School of Public Health. While many fine textbooks are available that address the immunological responses of individuals to pathogens, these provided very little information regarding how immunological variation among populations affects the epidemiology of disease. And yet, it has long been recognized that there is great immunologic diversity among people, which can have a profound effect on the epidemiology of disease. Careful review of the immunologic and epidemiologic literature revealed that there have been relatively few publications concerning immunoepidemiology and that no textbook is available on the subject. This textbook therefore aims to fill this void by providing a much-needed tool to comprehensively and efficiently teach immunoepidemiology. The book includes a section on the basic principles of immunology, and then applies them to particular examples of disease in human populations. The target audience for this text book are Masters of Public Health students. Others who should also find it of interest include PhD students in epidemiology, immunology, medical students, generalists, and specialists in immunology, infectious diseases, cancer, and rheumatology.

Henipaviruses form a new genus of emerging paramyxoviruses that are the deadliest human pathogens within the Paramyxoviridae family. This volume deals with the many facets of henipavirus biology, and covers our current understanding regarding the ecology, molecular virology, and pathogenesis of henipavirus infections. It is an international effort written by a multidisciplinary panel of experts at the front lines of research into this lethal emerging group of paramyxoviruses. The first section introduces the epidemiology and ecology of Nipah and Hendra viruses in their respective endemic areas, including a first-hand account of the discovery of Nipah virus during its initial outbreak in Malaysia; the next section documents the molecular virology of henipaviruses, and the substantial advances made towards understanding the unique features of henipavirus entry and tropism; and this is followed by accounts of the clinical and pathologic features of henipavirus infections in their human and naturally infected animal hosts. The next sections on pathogenesis provide a comprehensive reference on how henipaviruses counteract the innate immune system, and the relevant pathogenic features in animal challenge models developed to test potential therapeutic strategies. The final sections describe our current and future capabilities for diagnosis and control, including an account of potentially effective immunization strategies that are currently being tested. This book will not only serve as a useful reference for the henipavirus field; it will be useful to basic and animal virologists, ecologists, epidemiologists, physicians, and others interested in emerging infectious viral diseases, as it showcases the multidisciplinary efforts required to understand the genesis, spread and hopefully, control, of a group of lethal emerging zoonotic pathogens.

T Cell Antigen and MHC Recognition; B. Boitel, et al. Structure of the TCR-Ag-MHC Complex; N. Gervois, et al. Positive and Negative Selection of T Cells; H. von Boehmer. Peripheral Tolerence; D.C. Parker. On the Antigenicity of Antibody Idiotypes; K. Hannestad. A Network of Self Interactions; M. Zanetti. Cloned Suppressor T Cells; T. Tada, et al. The Autoreactive T Cell Receptor; E. Heber-Katz. The Relationship Between Diabetes and Lymphopenia in the BB Rat; S. Joseph, et al. Immunosuppression by MHC Class II Blockade; L. Adorini. Recognition of HIV Antigens by Human T Helper Cells; F. Manca, et al. Proliferative Responses to the V3 Region of HIV Envelope Are Enhanced Following Immunization with V3; S.J. Harris, et al. Teaching Immunology; F. Celada, P.E. Seiden. Biospecific Monoclonal Antibody-Targeted Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Can Recycle; J.A.C. Voorthuis, et al. 13 additional articles. Index.

In HaemophilusiInfluenzae Protocols, leading research scientists and infectious disease specialists detail in a readily reproducible format the major molecular and immunological techniques for exploring the pathogenicity of H. influenzae. Described with step-by-instructions to ensure robust and successful experimental results, the techniques cover plasmid analysis, proteomics, genomics, DNA array technology, gene expression, mutagenesis (transposon and nontransposon), and structural analysis. These methods illuminate how the bacterium causes disease, as well as how best to develop novel vaccines and antibiotics against the organism.

Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice is an abbreviated, pocket-size, quick-reference guide that provides a point-by-point synopsis of the vast wealth of information contained in CRC Handbook of Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice. All sections and subsections in the Pocket Guide are cross-referenced to corresponding pages in the Handbook. The book works well on its own as a quick reference, but also can be used in conjunction with the larger Handbook for detailed coverage and references to specific information. Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice also includes extensive supplements featuring material not included in the Handbook. These are intended to provide an up-dated, practical source of information useful to anyone involved in molecular diagnostic research and/or service. Supplements are cross-referenced to the main text of the Pocket Guide, that complement and enhance the material covered. Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice will be a handy reference for professionals and students in pathology, biotechnology, biology, and medicine.

This volume provides an understanding of how an immunoassay works, detailing the strengths, weaknesses, pitfalls. Chapters guide readers on how and when to appropriately utilize this powerful tool, examples of where the ELISA or similar immunoassay formats are currently being used, and newer techniques that may have a significant impact on future applications. 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, ELISA: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both novice and expert scientists in this developing field.

This volume is dedicated to multidisciplinary research at the interface between basic biomedicine and clinical practice. This book guides best practice in the diagnosis and therapy while dealing with difficult-to-treat disorders of yet unclear etiology. Chapters address such disorders as granulomatosis with polyangiitis causing autoimmune-related multiorgan inflammation of blood vessels, increasingly widespread allergy to peanuts, occupational exposure to zinc oxide, and immunogenic responses to pneumococcal and influenza vaccination underlying their preventive effectiveness. Other hot issues deal with the proper use of fluid therapy in the perioperative period and a cognitive decline in lung transplant patients. A new physiotherapeutic approach of treating key myofascial trigger points in low-back pain appears highly beneficial in reducing patients' disability, advancing physiotherapy of this overwhelming condition. Finally, other chapters consider ways to streamline medical management to increase the number of physicians and their availability for patients, a particularly sensitive issue in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The dissemination of clinical knowledge about high-risk and hardly controllable conditions is an inalienable part of progress in medical practice. The book is a resource for clinical specialists, general practitioners, and allied healthcare professionals.

Top scientific authors contribute their expertise and put a wealth of complex information into perspective in Skin Immune System: Cutaneous Immunology & Clinical Immunodermatology, Third Edition. This edition provides an overview of the skin immune system (SIS), a totally updated section on immunodermatological diseases, and six new chapters. Part I presents historical and comparative information on immunodermatology and includes a new chapter on the immunogenetics of inflammatory skin disease, while Part II covers the cellular elements of SIS and highlights newly defined functional subclasses of cells. Part III describes the humoral elements of SIS and provides two new chapters which focus on defensins and cathelicidins, and on the chemokines of human skin. Part IV discusses how the cellular and humoral elements of SIS interact under different circumstances and includes a new chapter on signal transduction pathways in cutaneous immunology. Part V focuses on dermatological diseases with a significant immunological background with a new chapter on the immunology of cutaneous drug eruptions, followed by Part VI on immunotherapy in dermatology, which features a new chapter reflecting the recent wave of products from biotechnology. Since the publication of the previous editions, a great deal of significant information has become available in almost all areas of cutaneous immunology and clinical immunodermatology. This progress has now been reflected in a completely updated and expanded resource.

Unlike any other source on the subject, Antiviral Agents, Vaccines, and Immunotherapies analyzes the benefits and limitations of every available drug, vaccine, and immunotherapy utilized in the prevention and control of viral diseases. This reference provides in-depth reviews of more than 50 drugs and antiviral agents for HIV, human herpesviruses, human papillomaviruses (HPV), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis B, and analyzes their mechanisms of action, dosage, side effects, and drug resistance. The book also provides an overview of the use of immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies for antiviral use and supplies extensive references, tables, and figures throughout the text.

The MMR controversy has been characterized by two one-sided discourses. In the medical world, the weight of opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of MMR. In the public world, the anti-MMR campaign has a much greater influence, centred on the fears of parents that the triple vaccine may cause autism in their children. Both professionals and parents struggle to cope with the anxieties this creates, but find it difficult to find a balanced account of the issues.
In MMR and Autism Michael Fitzpatrick, a general practitioner who is also the parent of an autistic child, explains why he believes the anti-MMR campaign is misguided in a way that will reassure parents considering vaccination and also relieve the anxieties of parents of autistic children. At the same time, this informative book provides health care professionals and health studies students with an accessible overview of a contemporary health issue with significant policy implications.

The MMR controversy has been characterized by two one-sided discourses. In the medical world, the weight of opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of MMR. In the public world, the anti-MMR campaign has a much greater influence, centred on the fears of parents that the triple vaccine may cause autism in their children. Both professionals and parents struggle to cope with the anxieties this creates, but find it difficult to find a balanced account of the issues.
In MMR and Autism Michael Fitzpatrick, a general practitioner who is also the parent of an autistic child, explains why he believes the anti-MMR campaign is misguided in a way that will reassure parents considering vaccination and also relieve the anxieties of parents of autistic children. At the same time, this informative book provides health care professionals and health studies students with an accessible overview of a contemporary health issue with significant policy implications.

The induction of antigen-specific immune responses after in vivo transfection with expression plasmids has triggered a revolution of vaccine research. After a first hype, evoked by the fascinating options of this method, clinical studies did not reach the ambitious aims and a phase of disillusion ensued. It became obvious that Gene vaccines displayed a weaker immunogenicity in humans than had been observed in the mouse models. Meanwhile these hurdles have been overcome and gene vaccines undergo a renaissance. The present book gives an update of the "world of naked gene vaccines", namely DNA and RNA vaccines. Its content ranges from general mechanisms, inherent immunostimulatory properties and the vast potential to modulate immune responses, to recent successful clinical studies and approved veterinary gene vaccines. Beyond the state-of-the-art of genetic immunization, the reader will be stimulated with a chapter addressing "burning questions".

At the intersection of experimental and computational sciences, the second edition of "Immunoinformatics" provides biological insights as well as a simpler way to implement approaches and algorithms in the immunoinformatics research domain. After an introductory section, this extensive volume moves on to cover topics such as databases, tools for prediction, systems biology approaches, as well as a variety of immunoinformatics applications. As part of the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology" series, chapters include the type of detailed information and implementation advice to ensure successful results.

Comprehensive and practical, "Immunoinformatics, Second Edition" aims at students and researchers from diverse backgrounds and levels interested in working with immunological problems.

Analysis of multidirectional immunological responses at the tumor site allows forming a new concept of The Tumor Immunoenvironment, which is introduced and discussed in the present book with a particular focus on the role of immune cells in controlling the tumor microenvironment at different stages of cancer development. The main goal of this publication is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the complex and unique role of the immune system, tumor-associated inflammation and tumor-mediated immunomodulation in cancer progression in a way that allows understanding the logistics of cellular and molecular interactions in the tumor lesions.

Social and Cultural Lives of Immune Systems introduces a provocative new hypothesis in medico-social theory - the theory that immunity and disease are in part socially constituted. It argues that immune systems function not just as biological entities but also as symbolic concepts charged with political significance. Bridging elements of psychology, sociology, body theory, immunology and medical anthropology, twelve papers from leading scholars explain some of the health-hazards of emotional and social pressure, whilst analysing the semiotic and social responses to the imagery of immunity.

Social and Cultural Lives of Immune Systems introduces a provocative new hypothesis in medico-social theory - the theory that immunity and disease are in part socially constituted. It argues that immune systems function not just as biological entities but also as symbolic concepts charged with political significance. Bridging elements of psychology, sociology, body theory, immunology and medical anthropology, twelve papers from leading scholars explain some of the health-hazards of emotional and social pressure, whilst analysing the semiotic and social responses to the imagery of immunity.