The immune synapse can be compared to a molecular machine that controls T cell activation when getting in contact with an antigen-presenting cell (APC). The immune synapse is involved in the transfer of information across the T cell-APC junction. It plays an essential role in the control and nature of the immune response. In recent years several approaches have been developed to reprogramming the immune response by targeting molecules involved in the immune synapse. Monoclonal antibodies, such as the ones targeting the lymphocyte co-receptor, co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules (CD3, CD4, CD40L, CTLA4-Ig, ICAM-1), or altered peptide ligands have been shown capable of inducing immune tolerance in transplantation, autoimmunity and allergy. This volume gives an overview on the progress in the field, from basic science to clinical trials, and the major mechanisms involved. It discusses how interfering with T cell activation may lead to immune tolerance, immune modulation and the recruitment of regulatory T cells, the role of monoclonal antibodies in tolerance induction, and mechanisms maintaining dominant tolerance. The book is of interest to clinicians and researchers working in this area.

This book analyzes the internal and external causes of acquired and familiar venous thrombosis and proposes the origins and onset of venous thrombus diseases and their triggering factors. It discusses venous and arterial thrombus in two parts, each starting from the genomics and the findings of immunocytological research conducted in a variety of clinical groups and on different experimental models and revealing the mechanisms behind the development of thrombotic diseases and the pathogenesis processes. Further, the book describes the clinical manifestation and the nature of the diseases. The book offers valuable insights important in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic disease.

After the discovery of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) about two decades ago, a new era of delineating its potential beneficial role in several inflammatory diseases has begun to spout from the bench to translational research. In MFG-E8 and Inflammation, the editor and contributors have gathered a remarkable collection covering novel discoveries on the rapidly growing field of MFG-E8 and Inflammation which includes not only the findings from their individual lobotomies, but also from a host of pioneering researchers of this field. MFG-E8 and Inflammation starts by describing the origin, structure, expression, functions and regulation of MFG-E8, and then continues thoughtfully exploring its potentiality as a marker for apoptotic, stressed and activated cells. The topics cover the cellular and physiological function of MFG-E8, especially its role in efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, intestinal barrier function, blood cell homeostasis and coagulation, and in the maintenance of the intact vascular system. The role of MFG-E8 in macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, platelets, as well as non-hematopoietic cells is adequately described in the book. The chapters also contain several lucid discussions on the recent discoveries of the roles of MFG-E8 in the autoimmune diseases, sepsis, tissue ischemia-reperfusion, hemorrhage, inflammatory bowel diseases, acute lung injury, asthma, lung fibrosis, stroke, prion diseases and Alzheimer's diseases with the potential focus on elucidating novel mechanistic pathways. MFG-E8 and Inflammation is an indispensable resource for scientists and clinical researchers working on fundamental or applied aspects of MFG-E8 pathobiology. This book explores, dissects and reviews several noteworthy findings and striking future perspectives which not only rewrite the disease pathophysiology, but also update our understanding towards attaining novel therapeutic potentials against various inflammatory diseases.

Spanning from discoveries in fundamental immunology to industrial and commercial concerns, the study of vaccine adjuvants has developed into an exciting area of work with great, vital potential in innovating techniques in which adjuvants may steer the immune system towards the responses required by unmet vaccination needs. In Vaccine Adjuvants: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field provide clear and concise guidance on how to go about assessing the activity of adjuvant products. Rather than describing individual adjuvants, the volume strives to include detailed, practical information on measuring the responses produced by adjuvants in order to be relevant to the widest array of experiments. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and versatile, Vaccine Adjuvants: Methods and Protocols will enable those already pursuing vaccine adjuvant research, while also serving to stimulate discussion on how to best standardize adjuvant testing in order to facilitate meaningful comparisons, and above all, to aid in the prediction of which new products will most effectively and safely help to solve the current challenges in vaccination.

Immunoelectron microscopy is a key technique that bridges the information gap between biochemistry, molecular biology, and ultrastructural studies placing macromolecular functions within a cellular context. In Immunoelectron Microscopy: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers combine the tools of the molecular biologist with those of the microscopist. From the molecular biology toolbox, this volume presents methods for antigen production by protein expression in bacterial cells, methods for epitope tagged protein expression in plant and animal cells allowing protein localization in the absence of protein specific antibodies as well as methods for the production of anti-peptide, monoclonal, and polyclonal antibodies. From the microscopy toolbox, sample preparation methods for cells, plant, and animal tissue are presented. Both cryo-methods, which have the advantage of retaining protein antigenicity at the expense of ultrastructural integrity, as well as chemical fixation methods that maintain structural integrity while sacrificing protein antigenicity have been included, with chapters examining various aspects of immunogold labeling. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and essential, Immunoelectron Microscopy: Methods and Protocols seeks to facilitate an increased understanding of structure function relationships.

This book systematically covers immunoassays for food, presenting detailed approaches such as antigen design, food matrix pre-treatment and detection format optimization for 9 classes of food hazards and nutrition constituents. Offering ideas on how to improve the efficiency of recognized xenobiotics and food contents, this practical book also describes the discovery and utilization of novel immune agents like aptamer and molecular imprinted polymers in food analysis. It is intended for a broad range of areas, including biologists and food chemists, and is sure to become a key reference resource for students and professionals alike.

This book provides readers an extensive overview of recent progress in basic and clinical research on cancer immunotherapy. Thanks to rapid advances in molecular biology and immunology, it has become increasingly evident that cancer growth is influenced by host immune responses. With the success of a number of clinical trials, immunotherapy has become a promising treatment modality of cancer. This book covers five major topics, including monoclonal antibodies, biological response modifiers, cancer vaccines, adoptive cellular therapy and oncolytic viruses. It also examines the combination of different immune strategies as well as the combination of immunotherapy with other treatments to increase anti-tumor effects. Through the comprehensive discussion of the topic, the book sheds valuable new light on the treatment of tumors.

Driven by methodological success in identifying reliable lineage markers, regulatory T cells have quickly been recognized as the most numerous subset of immune regulators in the body with critical functions in a wide array of immune responses. In Regulatory T Cells: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field to offer a collection of current techniques to advance the study of regulatory T cells, including the use of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain and other markers, as well as the more recently desirable use of the transcription factor FoxP3. Divided into three sections, the book covers, in equal measure, in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known methodological pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Regulatory T Cells: Methods and Protocols distills the most vital current techniques through several years of optimization and standardization in order to allow reliable and reproducible use by both young and experienced cellular and molecular immunologists.

Chemokines play an important role in recruiting inflammatory cells into tissues in response to infection and inflammation. They also play an important role in coordinating the movement of T-cells, B-cells and dentritic cells, necessary to generate an immune response (response to injury, allergens, antigens, invading microorganisms). They selectively attract leukocytes to inflammatory foci, inducing both cell migration and activation. They are involved in various diseases, like atherosclerosis, lung and skin inflammation, multiple sclerosis, or HIV.
Volume 2 of this two-volume set discusses the pathophysiology of chemokines. It is divided into two parts: a) chemokines in animal disease models, and b) chemokines as drug targets. Together with volume 1, which discusses the immunobiology of chemokines, both volumes give a comprehensive overview of chemokine biology.

Immunotherapy is now recognized as an essential component of treatment for a wide variety of cancers. It is in interdisciplinary field that is critically dependent upon an improved understanding of a vast network of cross-regulatory cellular populations and a diversity of molecular effectors, and it is a leading example of translational medicine with a favorable concept-to-clinical-trial timeframe of just a few years. There are many established immunotherapies already in existence, but there are exciting new cancer immunotherapies just on the horizon, immunotherapies that are likely to be more potent, less toxic and more cost effective than many therapies currently in use. Experimental and Applied Immunotherapy is a state-of-the-art text offering a roadmap leading to the creation of these future cancer-fighting immunotherapies. It includes essays by leading researchers that cover a wide variety of topics including T cell and non-T cell therapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines, mesenchymal stromal cells, negative regulators in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, non-cellular aspects of cancer immunotherapy, the combining of cancer vaccines with conventional therapies, the combining of oncolytic viruses with cancer immunotherapy, transplantation, and more. The field of immunotherapy holds great promise that will soon come to fruition if creative investigators can bridge seemingly disparate disciplines such as T cell therapy, gene therapy, and transplantation therapy. This text is a vital tool in the building of that bridge.

The idea that the microbial communities within the GI tract have a profound influence on general human health actually originated with Russian scientist Elie Metchnikov at the turn of the last century. Also known as the "father of immunology," Metchnikov believed that putrefactive bacteria in the gut were responsible for enhancing the aging process. He theorized that ingestion of healthy bacteria found in fermented foods could counteract toxic bacteria and was the key to good health. His theories concerning good bacteria and health can be found in his treatise "The Prolongation of Life: Optimistic Studies." These writings prompted Japanese scientist Minoru Shirota to begin investigation of how fermentative bacteria improve health. He succeeded in isolating a strain of Lactobacillus that could survive passage through the intestine, while promoting a healthy balance of microbes. The "Shirota strain" is still used today in the fermented beverage Yakult. It is clear from a commercial standpoint that these ideas have inspired the development of a probiotic industry, which has expanded greatly in the U.S. over the past 5-10 years. Likewise, scientific studies investigating the microbiota and the immune system have increased significantly in recent years. This increase in research is also due to advances in technologies that enable the investigation of large microbial communities, a resurgence in gnotobiotic animal research, and improved methods for molecular analysis of probiotic bacterial species. Our interest in this area stems from our laboratory observations indicating that antibiotics and fungi can skew microbiota composition and systemic immune responses. Our initial base of references upon which to develop further hypotheses concerning the mechanisms involved in microbiota regulation of immune responses was limited. However, in presenting the research at national scientific meetings and at universities across the country, the feedb

The only book that explores the vaccination issue from political, ethical, psychological, aesthetic, and spiritual perspectives. Using principles of general semantics to recognize propaganda, particularly medical propaganda, it points to the power of the media to create our reality. James suggests an unusual consciousness-raising plan of action to insure freedom of choice and non-harrassment of persons who choose to stay off the vaccine bandwagon. The author's controversial position is supported throughout the book by the scientific discoveries of researchers who have received little recognition in orthodox medical literature. This new, completely revised edition shows: how vaccinations damage the immune and nervous systems, the vaccine-drug-AIDS connection, how to become "propaganda-proof," and how to develop new paradigms of health and preventive medicine.

This volume will address an important emergent area within the field of immunomics: the discovery of antigens and adjuvants within the context of reverse vaccinology. Conventional approaches to vaccine design and development requires pathogens to be cultivated in the laboratory and the immunogenic molecules within them to be identifiable. Conventional vaccinology is no longer universally successful, particularly for recalcitrant pathogens. By using genomic information we can study vaccine development in silico: 'reverse vaccinology', can identify candidate subunits vaccines by identifying antigenic proteins and by using equally rational approaches to identify novel immune response-enhancing adjuvants.

This book focuses on the multitude of functions bacterial membrane vesicles perform in bacterial ecology and pathogenesis as well as in emerging medical and biotechnological applications. Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria produce membrane-bound nanostructures, known as membrane vesicles, which have a range of functions that include serving as delivery vehicles, providing a means of communication over both spatial and temporal scales, and contributing to bacterial survival and evolution. Topics covered in this book range from the biogenesis and composition of bacterial membrane vesicles to their abundance and biological roles in microbial ecosystems, such as marine environments. In the individual chapters, the involvement of bacterial membrane vesicles in host-pathogen interactions, promoting virulence and in facilitating the establishment of infection is explained. In addition, current knowledge regarding membrane vesicles produced by commensal bacteria and their role in the maturation of the host immune system, as well as the therapeutic potential of bacterial membrane vesicles as delivery systems and innovative nanotechnology-based therapeutics are discussed. This work appeals to a wide readership of students and researchers interested in microbial ecology, mechanism underlying pathogenesis and new avenues in applied microbiology and nanotechnology.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) has developed rapidly in the last four decades. As a multidisciplinary area, PNI may provide a scientific basis for mind-body relationships toward the development of personalized and systems medicine. In Psychoneuroimmunology:Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail methods and protocols geared toward the development of integrative and individualized therapeutics in multiple dimensions from drugs to behaviors. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Thorough and intuitive, Psychoneuroimmunology:Methods and Protocols aids scientists in continuing to study holistic views for the translation of psychoneuroimmunology into better preventive and personalized medical practice.

The first bacterial genome, Haemophilus influenzae, was completely sequenced, annotated, and published in 1995. Today, more than 200 prokaryotic (archaeal and bacterial) genomes have been completed and over 500 prokaryotic genomes are in va- ous stages of completion. Seventeen eukaryotic genomes plus four eukaryotic chro- somes have been completed. The concept of achieving better understanding of an organism through knowledge of the complete genomic sequence was first demonstrated in 1978 when the first bacteriophage genome, X174, was sequenced. Complete genomic sequences of prokaryotes have led to a better understanding of the biology and evolution of the microbes, and, for pathogens, facilitated identification of new vaccine candidates, putative virulence genes, targets for antibiotics, new strategy for rapid diagnosis, and investigation of bacteria-host interactions and disease mec- nisms. Recent increased interest in microbial pathogens and infectious diseases is largely attributed to the re-emergence of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, emergence of new infectious diseases like AIDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome, the problem of an increasing rate of emergence of antibiotic-resistant variants of pathogens, and the fear of bioterrorism. Microbes are highly diverse and abundant in the biosphere. Less than 1% of these morphologically identified microbes can be cultured in vitro using standard techniques and conditions. With such abundance of microbes in nature, we can expect to see new variants and new species evolve and a small number will emerge as pathogens to humans.

Building on a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, this classic text from trusted author Mary Louise Turgeon clearly explains everything from basic immunologic mechanisms and serologic concepts to the theory behind procedures performed in the lab.This go-to resource prepares you for everything from mastering automated techniques to understanding immunoassay instrumentation and disorders of infectious and immunologic origin. Packed with learning objectives, review questions, step-by-step procedures, and case studies, this text is the key to your success in today's modern laboratory environment. Procedural protocols help you transition from immunology theory to practical aspects of the clinical lab. Case studies allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and strengthen your critical thinking skills. Updated illustrations, photographs, and summary tables visually clarify key concepts and information. Full-color presentation clearly showcases diagrams and micrographs, giving you a sense of what you will encounter in the lab. Learning objectives and key terms at the beginning of each chapter provide measurable outcomes and a framework for organizing your study efforts. Review questions at the end of each chapter provide you with review and self-assessment opportunities. NEW! Highlights of Immunology chapter presents a clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand introduction to immunology that will help you grasp the complex concepts you need to understand to practice in the clinical lab. NEW! Stronger focus on molecular laboratory techniques. NEW! Ten chapters include COVID-19 related topics, including Primer on Vaccines chapter covering newer vaccine production methods focusing on DNA and RNA nucleic acids and viral vectors, and covering eight different platforms in use for vaccine research and development against SARS-CoV-2 virus. NEW! All chapters include significant updates based on reviewer feedback. NEW! Key Concepts interwoven throughout each chapter highlight important facts for more focused learning.

This volume covers all aspects of infection by pathogenic Leptospira species, the causative agents of the world's most widespread zoonosis. Topics include aspects of human and animal leptospirosis as well as detailed analyses of our current knowledge of leptospiral structure and physiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, genomics, immunity and vaccines. Updates are presented on leptospiral systematics, identification and diagnostics, as well as practical information on culture of Leptospira. Contact information is also provided for Leptospira reference centers. All chapters were written by experts in the field, providing an invaluable reference source for scientists, veterinarians, clinicians and all others with an interest in leptospirosis.

The purpose of this review is to examine the potential role of molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 ((HTLV- 1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)). Comp- hensive reviews on the pathogenic mechanisms of HTLV-1-associated human diseases are available throughout the medical literature (Bangham 2000,, 2003; Barmak et al. 2003; Jacobson 2002; Levin and Jacobson 1997; Nagai and Osame 2003; Osame 2002). Approximately 25 years ago the ?rst human retrovirus, HTLV-1, was isolated (Poeisz et al. 1980). Subsequently, infection with HTLV-1 was shown to cause adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HAM/TSP (Gessain et al. 1985; McFarlin and Blattner 1991; Osame et al. 1986; Poeisz et al. 1980; Yoshida et al. 1987). HTLV-1 may infect up to 30% of people in endemic areas and 10-20 million people worldwide (Barmak et al. 2003; Edlich et al. 2000). However, only 1%-5% develop either ATL or HAM/TSP, the remainder being clinically asymptomatic carriers of HTLV-1 (Bangham 2000, 2003; Barmak et al. 2003; Jacobson 2002; Levin and Jacobson 1997; Nagai and Osame 2003; Osame 2002). Why infection with HTLV-1 causes ATL or HAM/TSP in some people while the vast majority of individuals are asymptomatic is largely - known. Some possible factors that may differentiate the asymptomatic from the diseased state include viral strain, human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA), viral load, and the immune response (Bangham 2000, 2003; Barmak et al. 2003; Jacobson 2002; Levin and Jacobson 1997; Nagai and Osame 2003; Nagai et al. 1998; Niewiesk et al. 1994; Osame 2002).

"Regulatory B Cells: Methods and Protocols" present the current experimental set-ups and methodologies useful for the identification and characterization of B cells with suppressive functions and for the study of their biological and immunological properties. Organized into four sections, this detailed volume covers the basic methods for the isolation and immunophenotypical characterization of specific B cell subsets from mouse and human tissues, methods for the investigation of the mechanisms of immune suppression operated by B cells, several experimental approaches for the ex vivo generation/expansion of IL-10-producing B cells, as well as procedures for the study of the immune suppressive function of B cells in specific pathological settings. 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.

Practical and authoritative, "Regulatory B Cells: Methods and Protocols" serves as an ideal guide for immunologists as well as for cell and molecular biologists interested in the intricacies of B cell biology.

Technological advances, together with a better understanding of the molecular biology of infectious microorganisms, are creating exciting possibilities for a new generation of replicating vaccines. Historically, live vaccines have been either directly derived from a natural source or attenuated by empirical approaches using serial passages and host cell adaptation. Currently, we are witnessing a quantum leap in our technological capabilities to specifically modify the genetic make-up of viruses and bacteria, making it possible to generate improved live vaccines and to develop completely new types of replicating vaccines, such as vectored vaccines, single-round infectious vaccines and replicon vaccines. This book highlights some of the most exciting recent developments towards a new generation of replicating vaccines.

Course covers topics in infectious diseases in children and is intended for Pediatric Infectious disease trainees, trainers, and all those who manage children with infections.

Each of the chapters in this book is based on a lecture given at the sixth "Infection and Immunity in Children" course, held at the end of June 2008 at Keble College, Oxford.

Thus, it is the sixth book in a series that provides succinct and readable updates on just about every aspect of the discipline of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

Cushings syndrome is a rare disorder that is associated with many co-morbidities such as systemic hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, impaired immune function, and psychiatric disease, all of which severely reduce quality of life and life expectancy. This book reviews the role of cortisol in the human body, focusing on the effects of excess cortisol due to Cushing's syndrome as well as the role of the HPA axis in metabolism, inflammation, and neuropsychiatric function. The volume will cover basic mechanistic data, clinical outcomes data, and novel therapies. Also discussed are everything from abnormalities of the HPA axis, to the role of the HPA axis in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders and metabolic disorders, to new definitions of Cushing's remission and recurrence. The Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis in Health and Disease will provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary review of the pathophysiology and outcomes of excess cortisol in the human body and brain as well as the role of the HPA axis in other disease states.

This book illustrates, that the fungal cell wall is critical for the biology and ecology of all fungi and especially for human fungal pathogens. Readers will learn, that the composition of the fungal cell wall is a unique structure, which cannot be found in the human host. Consequently, the chapters outline, how the immune systems of both animals and humans have evolved to recognize conserved and unique elements of the fungal cell wall. As an application example, the authors also show, that the three-dimensional structures of the cell wall are excellent targets for the development of antifungal agents and chemotherapeutic strategies. With the combination of biological findings and medical outlooks, this volume is a fascinating read for scientists, clinicians and biomedical students.

Since the publication of the popular first edition, genomic methods have become more accessible, allowing antibiotic researchers to probe not only the sequence of antibiotic resistance determinants but the mechanism whereby they are expressed and regulated. That, in concert with array technology and an understanding of the importance of biofilms, has greatly expanded antibiotic resistance knowledge. In order to reflect the growing field, Antibiotic Resistance Protocols, Second Edition fully updates and builds upon its first edition with contributions from leading researchers. Beginning with chapters on epidemiology and population genetics, the book continues with sections covering genomics and gene expressions, fitness mutation and physiology, and the detection of resistance. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Antibiotic Resistance Protocols, Second Edition brings together examples of a diverse range of modern techniques applied in antibiotic research in order to best aid scientists in planning their own future research.