This volume covers a broad range of methods, technologies, and protocols on malaria. Chapters detail research on collecting parasites in the field, single molecule-level analyses of adhesive interactions, and focused studies aiming at disrupting the devastating disease. 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, Malaria Immunology: Targeting the Surface of Infected Erythrocytes aims to be a useful and practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field. Chapter Analysis of var gene transcription pattern using DBL -tags [Chapter 14] is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

In this issue, guest editors bring their considerable expertise to this important topic. Provides in-depth reviews on the latest updates in the field, providing actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize

Although, Phagocytosis was first described nearly 120 year ago, we are just recently beginning to understand the molecules that phagocytic cells use to bring about this complex cell function. Molecular Mechanisms of Phagocytosis was prepared as a series of up-to-date essays (chapters) that describe the present knowledge on the various steps of the phagocytic process from initial cell contact, through internalization of the foreign particle, to the final phagosome formation where the phagocytosed particle is destroyed.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge discoveries and the systems approaches related to the multi-disciplinary field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), which may provide the scientific basis for mind-body relationships, and aid in the development of personalized medicine. Specifically, the book focuses on the systems biology studies of complex mechanisms, such as stress and inflammation. There is strong evidence supporting the close relationship between stress, inflammation, and disorders including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, skin diseases, and sleep disorders. As inflammation is a critical connection among different diseases, further elucidating this connection may contribute to the findings of systemic therapeutic targets. Translational medicine is also addressed, by applying PNI approaches in clinical practice. A major challenge in current bioscience is the translation of basic scientific discoveries into better clinical outcomes. With the understanding of the translational implications of PNI, integrative interventions can be applied to modulate stress responses and to promote healthier behaviors. As an important feature of this book, a broad overview of the PNI-associated integrative interventions is provided. These interventions include nutritional supplements, meditation, and other mind-body strategies. From basic concepts to systems methodologies, from theoretical sources to clinical applications, Psychoneuroimmunology contributes to the understanding and development of PNI toward the establishment of personalized and mind-body medicine.

Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer in Response to Chemotherapy, Volume 158 of the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

This book represents a cutting-edge contribution giving an all-around perspective of eco-immunology today. Beside questions of the utmost importance for the whole community of immunologists, e.g, the intrinsic limits of immunological experiments performed at the bench on a limited number of selected models, the book covers several other facets of the eco-immunological approach, including host-parasite interactions, human aging and population immunology. Throughout the book the importance of population dynamics and evolutionary diversification of immune systems is frequently recalled, and makes the reader aware of the basic similarities and differences existing between humans and the models adopted for studying human immune system. The evidenced differences have been recently challenging the reliability of several established animal models and in the book it is discussed for the first time in analytical terms whether mice are reliable models of human inflammatory disorders.

This work in the field of tropical medicine provides an in-depth review in the development of vaccines against some of the most debilitating tropical diseases. In this multi-contributed, three-part book, with clear and ample illustrations, the reader will gather useful data and guidance to further his study in the field.

Reproductive Immunology is a compilation of research articles presented during the VII International Congress of Reproductive Immunology which was held in New Delhi, India on 27-30 October 1998. The articles pertain to the following six major themes: Molecular and Immunological Aspects of Sperm-Egg Interaction Embryonic-Endometrial Cross-Talk Immunobiology of Pregnancy Autoantibodies and Infertility Immunocontraception Mucosal Immunology and Reproductive Tract Infections . The first section deals with our current understanding of various steps involved in fertilization. The functional significance of sperm surface mannosidase and glutathione S-transferases to bind zona pellucida is described. The role of zona pellucida glycoproteins in the binding of sperm, induction of acrosome reactions and avoidance of polyspermy is discussed. In the second section, the role of various cytokines, growth factors and immunomodulatory agents in implantation of embryos is described. In the field of reproductive immunology, one of the major issues is to explore the successful gestation of the histoincompatible fetus in the uterus of an immunologically competent mother. The Proceedings presents the issues of paternal antigens at the feto-maternal interface and shows that Th2-type of immunity is involved in normal successful conception. The role of membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G in protecting the fetus from the lytic activities of maternal uterine and peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells is also presented. Nature's experiments suggest that antibodies against sperm-specific antigens are responsible for infertility in some women. The possibility that an immunogenetic background contributes to production of sperm-immobilizing antibodies in infertile women is discussed in the section on autoantibodies and infertility. The Proceedings presents the issue of Th1-type cytokines in inducing recurrent spontaneous abortions of unexplained etiology. The roles of β2-glycoprotein 1 (β2-GP1)-dependent anticardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipids, anti-thyroid antibody and anti-nuclear antibody in miscarriages are also described. The rising global human population, particularly in the developing countries, has driven the need for new and safer methods of contraception. Fertility regulation by vaccines is thus an interesting proposition. The section on contraceptive vaccines discusses the latest advances in this area and describes the current status of vaccines based on βhCG, sperm antigens, zona pellucida glycoproteins, and riboflavin carrier proteins. The issues of mucosal immunity and strategies for enhancing local genital immune responses to combat HIV infection is discussed. The role of inflammatory and related cytokines in chorioamnionitis is described. The contents of this Proceedings describes various facets of reproductive immunology which will help us to design strategies to combat genital infections and miscarriages caused by immunological etiology. Descriptions of the molecular basis of gamete recognition, implantation and survival of the allogenic fetus will help in designing strategies for overcoming infertility and also new contraceptive approaches. The Proceedings will be useful to researchers and clinicians involved in basic or applied research in the disciplines of reproductive biology, reproductive immunology, and obstetrics and gynecology.

This book discusses in detail various serological tests that are used to identify medical conditions and diseases, from a general overview of each test to the equipment and steps needed to carry them out. The book is aimed specifically at immunology students and professionals who may occasionally need to use these tests, and thus lack training and experience in performing them. The book provides a brief overview of the immune system, including antibodies, antigens, and their interactions. The bulk of the book is comprised of 16 chapters that each explain different serological tests. These chapters start with a general introduction of the test or disease being detected, followed by the test principle, reagents required for the test, procedures and steps to perform the test, and, finally, result interpretation. Both test principles and result interpretation segments include illustrations to aid comprehension. In addition, the book also enables the reader to distinguish between positive and negative results in serological testing.

This detailed volume collects updates on the technical advances in hematopoietic stem cell research and incorporates new techniques focused on the molecular/genetic, cellular, and whole organism levels. Exploring methods that apply stress to hematopoiesis, the book also contains chapters focused on better understanding the role of hematopoietic niches and their cellular components, as well as in vivo models that test and quantitate stem cell function and are key to further development of therapeutic applications. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols serves as a valued addition to laboratories focused on understanding hematopoietic stem cell biology and the therapeutic advances that can be derived from it.

A critical review of the classic, as wells as most recent-and quite seminal-findings concerning the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of both fetal and neonatal B and T cells, the cells that mediate antibody and cellular immune responses in newborns and infants. Dr. Bona shows how the antibody response of neonates is modulated by maternal antibodies and how, in certain cases, this can cause transient or life-threatening neonatal autoimmune disease. He also describes the characteristics of neonatal tolerance induced by foreign allo- and self-antigens, which are the basis for understanding impaired infant immune response and which provide a rationale for the development of efficient neonatal vaccines. By making clear the characteristics and differences between the immune system and the immune responses of both newborns and infants, compared to those of adults, Dr. Bona offers insights and challenging hypotheses that promise to help overcome the poor responses of neonates to various antigens.

Malaria is still a major global health problem, killing more than 1 million people every year. Almost all of these deaths are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, one of the four species of malaria parasites infecting humans. This high burden of mortality falls heavily on Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 90% of these deaths are thought to occur, and 5% of children die before the age of 5 years. The death toll from malaria is still growing, with malaria-specific mortality in young African children estimated to have doubled during the last twenty years. This increase has been associated with drug resistance of the parasite, spread of insecticide resistant mosquitoes, poverty, social and political upheaval, and lack of effective vaccines.

This collection of reviews addresses many of these important issues of malarial immunity and immunopathology. They are of interest not only to malariologists, but hopefully also to the broader immunological community. Strong interactions with, and feedback from immunologists working in other infectious diseases and in basic immunology will help us to move the field of malaria immunology and therapeutic intervention forward more quickly.

Delineating fundamental concepts of contemporary immunogenetics, this reference/text examines specific immunogenetic systems in terms of molecular biochemistry and immunophysiology. Covers material in diverse fields, including infectious diseases, cell biology, virology, molecular genetics. Comprise

A comprehensive overview of the effects of trichloroethylene toxicity caused by real-life exposure levels highlighting how exposure to trichloroethylene may contribute to the etiology of several idiopathic human diseases. Discussion will focus on different kinds of modeling and how they may be used to predict functional consequences and to dissect the contribution of different mechanistic pathways, including potential mechanisms of action for trichloroethylene toxicity in different organ systems. It will explore the role of epigenetic alterations in trichloroethylene toxicity, this provides important mechanistic information and may also provide the basis for intervention therapy. Chapters will also explain how the risks from trichloroethylene exposure may be greater in certain populations based on genetic predisposition, age of exposure and co-exposure to other chemicals With contributions from international experts in the field, Trichloroethylene: Toxicity and Health Risks is an essential resource for researchers and clinicians in toxicology, immunology, medicine and public health as well as industry and government regulatory scientists involved in safety and health protection and epidemiologists, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary cooperation in solving issues of environmental toxicity.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been recognized in printed records dating from the sixteenth century, and since the eradication of rinderpest (cattle plague) in the early part of the twentieth century it has been rec- nized as the most important and feared disease of cattle and other dom- tic livestock. The beginning of the twenty-first century brought the worst outbreak of FMD ever experienced in England, which had been completely free of the disease for 33 years. This tragic epidemic, which spread to Northern Ireland, Scotland, France and the Netherlands with severe e- nomic consequences, emphasized the need for further research into better methods for the detection and control of the disease. FMD is caused by a small RNA virus which is highly contagious and can survive in meat and other animal products for long periods at normal pH levels. The virus typically infects cloven-hoofed animals, including c- tle, goats, pigs and sheep, as well as a wide range of non-domesticated a- mals in regions of the world where FMD virus is endemic, such as the Af- can continent. There are seven recognized serotypes of FMD virus, with numerous subtypes, and as a consequence vaccine production and administration is complex and a major debate surrounds every disease outbreak regarding the relative merits of vaccination as opposed to the slaughter of all infected animals.

This detailed volume covers diverse aspects of P2X7 receptor analysis, ranging from its molecular structure to related pharmacological and immunological tools, via its analysis in heterologous expression systems as well as assays using primary cells and whole animal models. After three introductory chapters that focus on its structure, ligands, and physiological functions, the book details the generation of antibody and nanobody tools for P2X7 receptors, provides protocols for the analysis of expressed P2X7 receptors with a focus on their electrophysiological analysis, as well as protocols for the investigation of P2X7 down-stream signaling in immune cells by flow cytometry. Mouse models and procedures suited to investigate P2X7-mediated effects in other primary cells and in vivo are also explained. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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, The P2X7 Receptor: Methods and Protocols is a valuable reference not only for the growing community fascinated by this unusual ion channel but also for a broad readership interested in ion channels or purinergic receptors.

Scientific research on dengue has a long and rich history. The literature has been touched by famous names in medicine- Benjamin Rush, Walter Reed, and Albert Sabin, to name a very few- and has been fertile ground for medical historians . The advances made in those early investigations are all the more remarkable for the limited tools available at the time. The demonstration of a viral etiology for dengue fever, the recognition of mosquitoes as the vector for transmission to humans, and the existence of multiple viral variants (serotypes) with only partial cross-protection were all accomplished prior to the ability to culture and characterize the etiologic agent. Research on dengue in this period was typically driven by circumstances. Epidemics of dengue created public health crises, although these were relatively short-lived in any one location, as the population of susceptible individuals quickly shrank. Military considerations became as a major driving force for research. With the introduction of large numbers of non-immune individuals into endemic areas, dengue could cripple military readiness, taking more soldiers out of action than hostile fire. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, which assumed pandemic proportions during the latter half of the last century, have shown no indication of slowing their growth during this first decade of the twenty-first century. Challenges remain in understanding the basic mechanisms of viral replication and disease pathogenesis, in clinical management of patients, and in control of dengue viral transmission. Nevertheless, new tools and insights have led to major recent scientific advances. As the first candidate vaccines enter large-scale efficacy trials, there is reason to hope that we may soon "turn the corner" on this disease.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are CD1d-restricted T cells that respond to lipid, not protein, antigens presented by CD1d, which is a non-classical MHC class I-like molecule. This relatively small but pivotal T cell population bridges the gap between innate and adaptive immunity by rapidly produce large amounts of many kinds of cytokines and by providing the T cell arm of the adaptive immune system a mechanism to detect lipid antigens. NKT cells also have both regulatory and effector functions and have been shown to play critical roles in the regulation of immune responses in many disease settings including cancer. Stimulating the protective functions of NKT cells while inhibiting the negative regulatory activity shows promise for the therapy of cancer and several approaches are in clinical trials. This book reviews what we have learned about NKT cells during last two decades through functional studies in the context of tumor immunology, including clinical trials of NKT cell targeted therapy. This knowledge should also be informative to understand the role of this underappreciated T cell population in many other fields outside of tumor immunology.

This volume provides an overview on the influence of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) on tumor progression. It covers topics such as signaling induced by structural ECM proteins including collagen and fibronectin, the control of ECM deposition and the turnover in tumors. Also discussed are the migration of cells through basement membranes and the function of proteoglycans including lumican and veriscan in tumor progression. Biomaterial-based in-vitro models as well as C. elegans models of the tumor microenvironment are used to show how these models can lead to a greater understanding of the disease mechanisms that promote cancer progression. The book addresses researchers working on cancer biology or ECM, and oncologists alike.

This textbook discusses the systemic consequences of cancer, covering a range of topics from tumor-promoting systemic effects to the development of cachexia, as summarized in the introductory chapter 1. Part I of this textbook focuses on tumor-promoting systemic effects and begins with a chapter on how tumor-derived extracellular vesicles and particles lay the foundation for future metastases (Chapter 2). Chapter 3 discusses how metastatic cells that have colonized the bone impact the local bone microenvironment, neighboring muscles, and host physiology. Chapter 4 summarizes the available strategies for targeting metastatic cancer and emphasizes the need to incorporate a systemic view of the disease. Following this overview of the systemic effects of cancer progression, Part II of the textbook discusses cancer-induced cachexia, a debilitating systemic effect of advanced cancer. Chapters 5-7 examine the key signaling pathways (interleukin-6/GP130, NF-kB, and muscle proteolysis) that drive the development of cancer cachexia. Chapters 8 and 9 in Part III of this textbook explore how toxicities from anti-cancer therapy are associated with the onset of cachexia in cancer patients, and provide insight into potential approaches to simultaneously target both cancer and cachexia. Chapters 10 and 11 (Part IV) conclude this textbook by outlining promising approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of cachexia as well as strategies to prevent the development of cachexia through exercise. An understanding of the systemic effects of cancer is essential for the design of effective anti-cancer and anti-cachexia treatment strategies. As such, this textbook provides key information for both students and scientists engaged in cancer research and oncology.

Antibodies are crucial to the fine specificity of the immune system. An effective functioning of these molecules requires interaction with immune cells. Receptors for antibodies, Fc receptors, provide this critical link between the humoral and cellular branches of the immune system. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the different Fc receptors currently recognized. The first part of the book contains state-of-the-art overviews on the biological role of FcR. The latest information on FcR heterogeneity, FcR physiology, FcR-ligand recognition, their crucial coordinating role in immunity, interactions with other immunoreceptors, and the role of FcR in immunoglobulin transport and catabolism are discussed. The clinical importance of FcR is developed in the second part of the book. The well-recognized roles of FcR in allergy, inflammation, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and immunotherapeutic importance are reviewed. The information in this book is easily accessible and should be helpful for researchers and clinical specialists as a convenient overview of the field, as well as a comprehensive introduction for students starting in this area of research.

This text is a review of molecular immunohematology (MI). It draws from analyses and case studies around the world and details many techniques used in many labs. It is aimed at anyone interested in how MI is changing blood bank and transfusion medicine.

Sphingolipids are lipid components of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells with an important function in signaling mechanisms in the cell. This book provides insight into the physiological and pathophysiological role of sphingolipids and in particular its derivative ceramide. The function of Sphingolipids in cell signaling with regard to infectious and lung diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders are described and treated in distinct parts. Together with Volume 215 from the same Editors, the collection represents a unique, comprehensive work on Sphingolipids, providing information on both: Sphingolipid basic biology as well as its important function in a (patho)physiological context. The book is written for scientists in pharmacology, biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on biomedical research as well as for clinicians in pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, neurology and infectious disease. "

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of deaths worldwide and according to the World Economics Council and the Harvard School of Public Health, the cost of chronic diseases is expected to reach a staggering 48% of global gross domestic product by the year 2030. The urgency of the issue was demonstrated in 2011 when for only the second time in its existence, the U.N. General Assembly brought a health issue to the floor for consideration: chronic diseases.

To date, most considerations of the issue have approached the topic from the vantage point that chronic diseases are a myriad of largely unconnected diseases and conditions arising in diverse tissues, organs and physiological systems. This book, "Immunotoxicity, Immune Dysfuction, and Chronic Disease," deviates from that prior model. It considers the interconnectivity of chronic diseases with both environmental insult of the immune system and subsequent immune dysfunction and inflammatory dysregulation as the underlying basis for many, if not most, chronic diseases.

This change in the perception of environment-immune linkages to chronic disease is significant and has immediate implications both for the prevention of disease as well as for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches. Rather than considering environmental factors and types of reported immune alterations ("e.g., " depressed humoral immunity) as is common in books involving immunotoxicity, the present book approaches the environment-immune-disease triad from the standpoint of the disease. Each chapter emphasizes one or more specific immune dysfunction-based chronic disease(s) or condition(s) ("e.g., " asthma, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, lupus) and describes: 1) the suggested environmental risk factors, 2) the underlying immune dysfunction(s) associated with the disease and 3) the overall health consequences of the disease.

This book is an early entry for a new Toxicology book series for Springer titled: Molecular and Integrative Toxicology (MaIT). The series will feature detailed research information, but in the context of a more integrative or holistic framework. As part of this framework, the chapters will contain a section on Key Points as well as Recommendations where appropriate. The goal is to cover the most timely, state-of-the-art issues in toxicology as well as to ensure that the information is maximally accessible for research scientists, teachers, physicians and students. We are particularly grateful to the numerous chapter authors for providing comprehensive and expert disease-oriented contributions. We are also appreciative of their willingness to consider their material not as disparate pieces of what has become a major health crisis, but rather as key pieces in a network of apparently interconnected health challenges."