This book reviews the development, characterization and applications of aptamers in different areas of biotechnology ranging from therapeutics to diagnostics and protein purification. Hailed as chemical antibodies, these single-stranded nucleic acid receptors were predicted to supersede antibodies in traditional assays, such as ELISA, within a short time. While this has yet to happen, readers will find in this book a deep insight into the progress of aptamer technology and a critical discussion about the limitations that need to be overcome in order to find wider acceptance and use outside of the still relatively small aptamer-community. This book covers all aspects of aptamer generation and application for the aptamer-experienced reader and curious novice alike, with the addition of an industry perspective on the future of aptamer-use in biotechnology.

Over the last several years the field of humanized mice has matured and developed into an essential component of translational research for HIV/AIDS. Humanized mice serve both as vehicles for discovery and as highly sophisticated platforms for biomedical research. In addition, humanized mice have demonstrated outstanding potential for the investigation of critical aspects of the infection and pathogenesis of the hepatitis and herpes viruses, as well as highly relevant microbial infections such as tuberculosis and malaria. Humanized Mice for HIV Research provides a comprehensive presentation of the history, evolution, applications, and current state of the art of this unique animal model. An expansion of twelve review articles that were published in Humanized Mice by Springer in 2008 (Eds: Nomura T, Watanabe T, Habu S), this book expertly captures the outstanding progress that has been made in the development, improvement, implementation, and validation of humanized mouse models. The first two parts of this book cover the basics of human-to-mouse xenotransplantation biology, and provide critical information about human immune cell development and function based on individual models created from different immunodeficient strains of mice. The third and fourth parts investigate HIV-1 biology, including different routes of transmission, prevention, treatment, pathogenesis, and the development of adaptive immunity in humanized mice. The fifth part shows the broad applicability of humanized mice for therapeutic development, from long-acting antiretroviral combinations to genetic manipulations with human cells and cell-based approaches. The sixth part includes liver tissue engineering and the expansion of humanized mice for many other human cell-tropic pathogens.

Personalized medicine is a rapidly emerging area in health care, and asthma management lends itself particularly well to this new development. This practical resource by Dr. Stanley J. Szefler helps you navigate the many asthma medication options available to your patients, as well as providing insights into those which may be introduced within the next several years. Features a wealth of information on available asthma medications, including new immunomodulators, new responses to treatment, and new treatment strategies at all levels of asthma care. Prepares you to meet your patients' needs regarding asthma exacerbation prevention and asthma prevention. Consolidates today's available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource.

This book offers a summary and discussion of the advances of inflammation and infection in various cancers. The authors cover the classically known virus infections in cancer, novel roles of other pathogens (e.g. bacteria and fungi), as well as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy. Further, the chapters highlight the progress of immune therapy, stem cells and the role of the microbiome in the pathophysiology of cancers. Readers will gain insights into complex microbial communities, that inhabit most external human surfaces and play a key role in health and disease. Perturbations of host-microbe interactions often lead to altered host responses that can promote cancer development. Thus, this book highlights emerging roles of the microbiome in pathogenesis of cancers and outcome of therapy. The focus is on mechanistic concepts that underlie the complex relationships between host and microbes. Approaches that can inhibit infection, suppress chronic inflammation and reverse the dysbiosis are discussed, as a means for restoring the balance between host and microbes. This comprehensive work will be beneficial to researchers and students interested in infectious diseases, microbiome, and cancer as well as clinicians and general physiologists.

This book highlights the current state of the art in single cell analysis, an area that involves many fields of science - from clinical hematology, functional analysis and drug screening, to platelet and microparticle analysis, marine biology and fundamental cancer research. This book brings together an eclectic group of current applications, all of which have a significant impact on our current state of knowledge. The authors of these chapters are all pioneering researchers in the field of single cell analysis. The book will not only appeal to those readers more focused on clinical applications, but also those interested in highly technical aspects of the technologies. All of the technologies identified utilize unique applications of photon detection systems.

This book collects and reviews, for the first time, a wide range of advances in the area of human aging biomarkers. This accumulated data allows researchers to assess the rate of aging processes in various organs and systems, and to individually monitor the effectiveness of therapies intended to slow aging. In an introductory chapter, the editor defines biomarkers of aging as molecular, cellular and physiological parameters that demonstrate reproducible changes - quantitative or qualitative - with age. The introduction recounts a study which aimed to create a universal model of biological age, whose most predictive parameters were albumin and alkaline phosphatase (indication liver function), glucose (metabolic syndrome), erythrocytes (respiratory function) and urea (renal function). The book goes on to describe DNA methylation, known as the "epigenetic clock," as currently the most comprehensive predictor of total mortality. It is also useful for predicting mortality from cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and for analyzing the effects of lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, and education. Individual contributions draw additional insight from research on genetics and epigenetic aging markers, and immunosenescence and inflammaging markers. A concluding chapter outlines the challenge of integrating of biological and clinical markers of aging. Biomarkers of Human Aging is written for professionals and practitioners engaged in the study of aging, and will be useful to both advanced students and researchers.

Provides timely reviews of topics in biotechnology, and is an invaluable reference for those in applied microbiology

This work has broad applications in clinical medicine, ranging from prevention and treatment of organ and bone marrow transplant rejection, management of various autoimmune disorders (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), skin disease and asthma. Whereas traditionally only a small repertoire of immunosuppressive agents was available for clinical use, recent discoveries have significantly increased the number of approved agents, resulting in numerous trials to further evaluate their potential. There is also considerable interest in the potential of cell-based therapies (particularly hematopoietic stem and dendritic cell therapy) of allo- and autoimmunity. Important recent advances in the immunotherapy of allergic diseases are also covered in this book. This volume is intended both for practising physicians and surgeons and for biomedical scientists at the graduate/postdoctoral levels, and is designed to provide the theory behind these various approaches to immunosuppression, and to provide state-of-the-art reviews of current developments in each area.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Mariana Castells, is devoted to Drug Hypersensitivity and Desensitizations. Articles in this issue include: Principles and Practice of Drug Desensitization; Incidence and Prevalence of Drug Hypersensitivity; Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis; Penicillin and Beta Lactam Hypersensitivity; Platins Chemotherapy Hypersensitivity: Prevalence and Management; Monoclonal Antibodies Hypersensitivity: Prevalence and Management; Injectable Drugs and MoAbs Reactions and Management with Desensitization; Delayed Cutaneous Reactions to Antibiotics, Management with Desensitization; Management of Children with Hypersensitivity to Antibiotics and MoAbs; Taxenes Hypersensitivity and Management; Progesterone Autoimmune Dermatitis; Severe Delayed Drug Reaction: Role of Genetics and Viral Infections; andAspirin and NSAIDS Hypersensitivity and Management.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Immune Response and Regulation, Volume 136 presents emerging concepts related to the role of GPCRs in immune response and regulation. Users will find updated chapters on a variety of topics, including Beta-adrenergic signaling in the onset and progression of asthma, the Emerging roles of Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins in the immune system, information on Kinin receptors in immune response and pathogenic infections, and sections on GPCR signaling in C. elegans and its implications in immune response, GPCR Kinases in Inflammatory response and signaling, and GRK2 in Inflammation: Regulation of T cell receptors and IgE signaling. Chapters in this book discuss not only the well-known aspects of GPCR signaling in immunology, but also presents many emerging paradigms that have not yet been reported in classical textbooks. Each chapter presents a forward-looking discussion, providing a glimpse of the tremendous potential associated with the specific receptor systems discussed.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Mariana Castells, is devoted to Drug Hypersensitivity and Desensitizations. Articles in this issue include: Principles and Practice of Drug Desensitization; Incidence and Prevalence of Drug Hypersensitivity; Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis; Penicillin and Beta Lactam Hypersensitivity; Platins Chemotherapy Hypersensitivity: Prevalence and Management; Monoclonal Antibodies Hypersensitivity: Prevalence and Management; Injectable Drugs and MoAbs Reactions and Management with Desensitization; Delayed Cutaneous Reactions to Antibiotics, Management with Desensitization; Management of Children with Hypersensitivity to Antibiotics and MoAbs; Taxenes Hypersensitivity and Management; Progesterone Autoimmune Dermatitis; Severe Delayed Drug Reaction: Role of Genetics and Viral Infections; andAspirin and NSAIDS Hypersensitivity and Management.

The Natural Anti-Gal Antibody as Foe Turned Friend in Medicine provides a comprehensive review of the natural anti-Gal antibody, which is the most abundant antibody in humans constituting ~1% of immunoglobulins and the carbohydrate antigen it recognizes, the a-gal epitope. It discusses the discovery of this antigen/antibody system, its evolution in mammals, the pathological effects of this antibody, and its possible use in various therapies in humans. Most significantly, the book discusses microbial and regenerative therapies in which an antibody present in all humans may be harnessed as an in vivo pharmaceutical agent that enables a wide variety of therapies. Some of these therapies are described as experimental studies that are compiled in this book, other already studied therapies in the area of cancer immunotherapy are also included in this book.

The Immunology Guidebook provides an easily accessible text-reference to the more
up-to-date and difficult concepts in the complex science of immunology. It aims to demystify basic concepts and specialised molecular and cellular interactions. Its 18 chapters offer a logical and sequential presentation where much of the data is displayed in carefully designed tables. This book is intended for immunology students, researchers, practitioners and basic biomedical scientists.
* Tables provide a quick reference to difficult to find' immunology data
* A distillate of the latest information on immunogenetics of the human MHC associated with tissue transplantation
* Information boxes featurw related web resources

This book details the most comprehensive, up-to -date, and cutting-edge protocols used in wet and dry labs to investigate the viral communities harbored within and on the human body. Chapters guide readers through methods on collection, isolation, identification and computational/statistical analysis, and body niches to cover those methodological issues inherent to the human tissues and organs. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, The Human Virome: Methods and Protocols aims to facilitate researchers with their daily work in the field of the research on the human virome.

Lung diseases are leading causes of death and disability globally, with about 65 million people suffering from COPD, and 334 million from asthma. Each year, tens of millions of people develop and can die from lung infections such as pneumonia and TB. Systemic inflammation may induce and exacerbate local inflammatory diseases in the lungs, and local inflammation can in turn cause systemic inflammation. There is increasing evidence of the coexistence of systemic and local inflammation in patients suffering from asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases, and the co-morbidity of two or more local inflammatory diseases often occurs. For example, rheumatoid arthritis frequently occurs together with, and promotes the development of, pulmonary hypertension. This co-morbidity significantly impacts quality of life, and can result in death for some patients. Current treatment options for lung disease are neither always effective, nor condition-specific; there is a desperate need for novel therapeutics in the field. Additionally, the molecular and physiological significance of most major lung diseases is not well understood, which further impedes development of new treatments, especially in the case of coexistent lung diseases with other inflammatory diseases. Great progress has been made in recent years in many areas of the field, particularly in understanding the molecular geneses, regulatory mechanisms, signalling pathways, and cellular processes within lung disease, as well as basic and clinical technology, drug discovery, diagnoses, treatment options, and predictive prognoses. This is the first text to aggregate these developments. In two comprehensive volumes, experts from all over the world present state-of-the-art advances in the study of lung inflammation in health and disease. Contributing authors cover well-known as well as emerging topics in basic, translational, and clinical research, with the aim of providing researchers, clinicians, professionals, and students with new perspectives and concepts. The editors hope these books will also help to direct future research in lung disease and other inflammatory diseases, and result in the development of novel therapeutics.

Advances in Microbial Physiology, Volume 71, continues the long tradition of topical, important, cutting-edge reviews in microbiology. The book contains updates in the field, with comprehensive chapters covering The Microbiology of Ruthenium Complexes, The role of plant growth-promoting bacteria in metal phytoremediation, the Mechanism and Role of Globin Coupled Sensor Signaling, Cytochrome bd and gaseous ligands in bacterial physiology, and Haem-Based Sensors of O2: Lessons and Perspectives.

This volume provides key methods and protocols from laboratories engaged in germinal centers (GC) research with the expectation of stimulating further research, and to aid scientists in the study of GC biology and pathology. 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. Authoritative and practical, Germinal Centers: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including 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.
* Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This text contains the Proceedings of the Sixth Jenner Glycobiology and Medicine Symposium, held 14-17 September, 2002, in Seillac, France. It highlights the most up-to-date developments in glycoimmunology, including glycosylation-dependent bacterial and viral infections, lectin and proteoglycan-dependent interactions in leukocyte homing processes to lymphoid tissues and inflamed tissues, congenital defects in glycosylation of glycoproteins and glycolipids, and the role of carbohydrates in tumour development and neuropathology, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Tumor-Induced Immune Suppression - Prospects and Progress in Mechanisms and Therapeutic Reversal presents a comprehensive overview of large number of different mechanisms of immune dysfunction in cancer and therapeutic approaches to their correction. This includes the number of novel mechanisms that has never before been discussed in previous monographs. The last decades were characterized by substantial progress in the understanding of the role of the immune system in tumor progression. Researchers have learned how to manipulate the immune system to generate tumor specific immune response, which raises high expectations for immunotherapy to provide breakthroughs in cancer treatment. It is increasingly clear that tumor-induced abnormalities in the immune system not only hampers natural tumor immune surveillance, but also limits the effect of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, it is critically important to understand the mechanisms of tumor-induced immune suppression to make any progress in the field and this monograph provides these important insights.

This book on NeuroAIDS, a collection of chapters written by experts and specialists from around the world, provides a global perspective on HIV and NeuroAIDS in the field, clinic, and laboratory. The chapters address the comorbidity of HIV and other infectious agents, including Zika virus, Ebola, Chagas disease, TB and HCV. Also discussed are key topics, such as: * Molecular socioepidemiology * Global HIV and NeuroAIDS * Neuropathology * cART and blood-brain barrier penetration * HIV replicative oscillations * HIV and SIV evolution * Psychiatric comorbidities * Neurosyphilis * The examination of current and innovative models of translational research to translational effectiveness

Zebrafish at the Interface of Development and Disease Research presents the latest on the shared pathways that govern development and contribute to disease. Zebrafish have traditionally been used to study vertebrate development, providing interesting data on the developmental processes and genes that are implicated in disease. This new release in the series contains informative discussions on congenital heart defects in zebrafish, the use of zebrafish in studying kidney development and disease, and muscle development, homeostasis and disease in zebrafish. Each chapter interweaves the study of zebrafish development and its application to the immune system, the kidney, liver, heart and others.

The topic of this book, Collectins, is a family of proteins whose major function is in innate immunity, where Collectins act as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). In general they recognize targets such as microbial surfaces and apoptotic cells, and once bound to a target, Collectins promote the clearance of microorganisms and damaged host tissue. New cell-surface proteins and glycoproteins, which act as Collectin receptors, are currently being identified. Some Collectins, particularly MBL, activate the complement system, which enhances the ability of antibodies to fight pathogens, via three MBL-associated proteases, the MASPs. Additionally, recent research has begun to show wider-ranging activities of Collectins, such as: * Their role in metabolism, and therefore their involvement in lifestyle diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. * Their ability to modulate the adaptive immune response, as well as to recognize and trigger apoptosis of cancer cells, which makes them effective in the annihilation of cancer cells with multiple mutations. * The regulation of their expression by gonadal steroid hormones implicates them with critical roles in both male and female fertility. * Altered levels of Collectins have been associated with various autoimmune diseases. This book brings together current knowledge of the structure, functions and biological activities of Collectins, to describe their integral role in human health.