This volume provides simple and accessible experiment protocols to explore thymus biology. T-Cell Development: Methods and Protocols is divided into three parts presenting short reviews on T cell development, analysis strategies, protocols for cell preparation, flow cytometry analyses, and multiple aspects of thymocyte biology. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Concise and easy-to-use, T-Cell Development: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This book comprehensively reviews various vector-borne diseases and their control methods. It discusses morphology, life history, and pathogenicity of protozoan and helminth parasites. Further, it analyzes host-parasite interactions and their adaptation within the host system for understanding parasitic infections. The book discusses the complex life cycle, biochemical adaptations, and molecular biology of the parasites. It investigates the immunological response to different infectious agents and explores new targets for combined therapeutic approaches. It also summarizes the evolution of parasitism and the ecology of parasites of the different phylum. Lastly, it provides information on vector biology emphasizing the role of basic vector research in developing future disease control methods and improving upon the existing approaches.

Advances in Immunology, Volume 154, the latest release in a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments and comprehensive reviews in immunology, with this volume covering Regulatory T Cells in Infection and Factor H and Properdin and their regulation.

T Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Immunotoxicology Edited by Ian Kimber ZENECA Pharmaceuticals, Central Toxicology Laboratory, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK and Mary Jane K. Selgrade US Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, NC, USA Immunotoxicology is a diverse discipline that embraces the investigation of the adverse health effects that may result from the interaction of xenobiotics with the immune system. T lymphocytes orchestrate adaptive immune responses and are of central importance in the consideration of immunotoxicity. These cells and/or the tissue responsible for their functional maturation (the thymus) have been implicated as the primary or secondary targets for chemical insult. Moreover, T lymphocytes play pivotal roles in the induction and elicitation of chemical and protein allergy and in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Classically, T lymphocytes have been divided into two main populations: CD4 helper T cells and CD8 suppressor/cytotoxic T cells. It is now apparent that there exists within both populations considerable functional heterogeneity, characterized usually by variable cytokine secretion patterns. Two major subpopulations of T helper (Th) cells have been identified and designated Th1 and Th2, with similar, but less well characterized, sub-types of cytotoxic (Tc) cells having been described also. The discovery of functional subpopulations of Th (and Tc) cells has profoundly influenced our view of the immune response and, in particular, our appreciation of the way in which the immune system can tailor responses to meet challenges of different types. This has also translated into a much more detailed understanding of certain immunopathologic processes and the role of T lymphocytes in the development of allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This book explores the role of T lymphocyte subpopulations in the development and expression of immunotoxic effects. Constituent chapters reveal that a consideration of the impact of chemicals on these diverse T cell populations and the polarization of T cell responses has already contributed greatly to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotoxicity, including immune suppression and allergic and autoimmune responses.

This book provides an essential overview of the role of phosphoinositide-3-phosphate kinase (PI3K) isoforms in modulating the function of immune system cells and their involvement in disease. PI3K is a family of kinases involved in basic cellular processes such as proliferation, migration and cell death. Recent work has highlighted the multiple roles of PI3K classes and subunits and their involvement in the immune response to the body's own and foreign antigens and diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. This book offers a detailed introduction to the biology of the three PI3K classes, followed by an extensive discussion of the diverse roles of AKT and PI3K isoforms in immune cells. Based on this knowledge, it subsequently explains in more detail how specific isoforms are connected to immune-mediated diseases. The book concludes by highlighting the latest advances in the production of isoform-specific inhibitors and their use in various human diseases. This book is intended as a reference guide for students and researchers interested in the multifaceted aspects of PI3K biology.

Rabies is one of the oldest known pathogens, is incurable, and has the highest fatality rate of all infectious diseases. The Americas is the only region with bat rabies virus, including vampire bat rabies. The region is rich in cultural references and notable for many discoveries in the field, including the current vaccine potency test, diagnostic assay, conception of oral vaccines for wildlife, the first human survivor and the first successful canine rabies program executed at a broad level. Rabies remains the most important viral zoonosis, with tens of thousands of human fatalities and tens of millions of exposures annually, which can be used to model for other pathogens, such as COVID-19. There is an international effort to eliminate human rabies caused by dogs over the next decade, and the Americas represent the primary region with the greatest proof-of-concept evidence to accomplish this goal.  This two-volume set addresses the medical history and modern results of rabies in countries throughout the Americas, including the implications of and on cultural, economic, sociological, and research developments in the region. Volume I presents an overview of concepts critical to the study of rabies in the region, including evolutionary aspects, reservoir ecology and control, elimination efforts, vaccine development, and disease hallmarks and progression. It also analyzes the long-term cultural, social, and economic impacts of the disease in the Americas. 

Today, nature is used as a source of inspiration for the development of new techniques for solving complex problems in various domains, from engineering to biology, with innovative adaptations under investigation. ""The Handbook of Research on Artificial Immune Systems and Natural Computing: Applying Complex Adaptive Technologies"" provides the latest empirical research findings, theoretical frameworks, and technologies of natural computing and artificial immune systems (AIS). An excellent reference source for professionals, researchers, and academicians within the AIS and natural computing fields, this comprehensive collection written by leading international experts proposes new ideas, methods, and theories to solve problems of engineering and science. It features: 24 authoritative contributions by over 45 of the world's leading experts on artificial immune systems and natural computing from 13 countries; comprehensive coverage of each specific topic, highlighting recent trends and describing the latest advances in the field; more than 900 references to existing literature and research on artificial immune systems and natural computing; and, a compendium of over 195 key terms with detailed definitions. It is organized by topic and indexed, making it a convenient method of reference for all IT/IS scholars and professionals. It offers cross-referencing of key terms, figures, and information pertinent to artificial immune systems and natural computing.

The biennial TNF-family conferences have been held over the past 20 years, from the time that TNF was cloned. These meetings have followed the enormous progress in this field. Much is now known about the members of the TNF ligand and receptor families, their signaling proteins, mechanisms of action and cellular functions. This volume is the proceedings of the 12th TNF International Conference, held in April 2009. This conference focuses on the physiological, pathophysiological, and medical significance of these important regulators. Sessions at the meeting specifically address their involvement in immunity, development, apoptosis, autoimmunity, cancer, and infection, the normal function and pathology of the neuronal system, as well as major unresolved questions about their mechanisms of action.

Hepatobiliary cancer refers to primary malignant tumors originating in cells of the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. Globally, primary liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (~75 % of all cases) and intrahepatic biliary cancer or cholangiocarcinoma (~10-15 % 0f all cases) is the 6th most commonly diagnosed cancer and 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The vast majority of these highly malignant cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage where treatment options are limited and patient survival outcomes are poor. The biological and therapeutic challenges posed by hepatobililiary cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are daunting, emphasizing a critical need to review and assess current and evolving basic, translational, and clinical research focused on addressing the critical obstacles that continue to limit progress towards achieving significant improvements in HCC and CCA clinical management and patient survival outcomes. Towards this goal, this special edition of Advances in Cancer Research is focused on providing a comprehensive, timely and authoritative reviews covering such topics of significant scientific and clinical relevance, including hepatobiliary cancer risk mechanisms and risk-predictive molecular biomarkers; causes and functional intricacies of inter- and intratumor heterogeneity; novel insights into the role of tumor microenvironment and key signaling pathways in promoting hepatobiliary cancer progression, therapeutic resistance and immunosuppression; emerging biomarkers of HCC and CCA prognosis; advances in molecular genomics for personalizing tumor classification and targeted therapies; innovative preclinical cell culture modeling for hepatobiliary cancer drug discovery; and current and emerging trends in hepatobiliary cancer molecular therapeutic targeting and immunotherapies.

This comprehensive resource details the history, methodology and development of research into psychoneuroimmunology, balancing it with meticulous coverage of both the clinical aspects and practical applications of the subject. * A much-needed reference including overviews of key advances in the field * Discusses how psychoneuroimmunological research is conceived and executed * Includes contributions from a wealth of experts in the field * Forward by Robert Ader and Nicholas Cohen, founders of the discipline * Authoritative and interdisciplinary in scope - integrating biological and behavioral science

During the last decade or so vaccine development has been facilitated by rapid ad- vances in the molecular and cell biology ofthe immune system. This has laid the foundations of a new generation of vaccines exemplified by subunit vaccines produced through gene cloning and by synthetic peptides mimicking small regions ofproteins on the outer coat ofvi- ruses. However, as subunit and peptide vaccines are only weakly or non-immunogenic, there is areal need for strategies to improve their potency. This book contains the proceedings of the 5th NATO Advanced Studies Institute (ASI), "Vaccine Design: The Role of Cytokine Networks," held at Cape Sounion Beach, Greece, during 24 June-5 July 1996 and deals in depth with the role ofbasic immunology in the regulation of immunity and vaccine design. Special emphasis is given to the use of cyto- kines in conjuction with vaccines with the aim ofimproving their potency or the use ofvac- cines designed to improve cytokine production. We express our appreciation to Dr. J.-L. Virelizier and Dr. G. Kollias for their cooperation in planning the ASI and to Mrs. Concha Perring for her excellent production ofthe manuscripts. The ASI was held under the sponsor- ship of NATO Scientific Affairs Division and generously co-sponsored by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (Philadelphia). Financial assistance was also provided by Connaught Laboratories Ltd. (Ontario), Pasteur Merieux (Marcy I 'Etoile), Biochine (Siena), Help SA (Athens), and Avanti Polar Lipids Inc. (Birmingham, USA).

Immunometabolism has emerged as an intersectional crossroad between metabolism and immune response. Over the past decade, it has become clear that most - if not all - immune cell functions are not separated from cellular metabolism. Although seminal works have addressed the metabolic fate of immune cells during differentiation and function, the physiological status of a given tissue is also dependent on the cell metabolism. The dialogue between immune cells and their microenvironment can also modulate cellular metabolism, which can trigger the onset and progression of a multitude of inflammation-mediated diseases. Thus, uncovering the specific characteristics of the metabolism in different immune cells types and in different conditions, can shed light into the molecular mechanisms of disease and help develop new drugs and therapeutic strategies to treat immune diseases. The edited volume Essentials aspects of Immunometabolism will give the readers a broad view on how metabolic pathways can influence many types of immune cells during activation, differentiation and function, in health and disease. Of note, the structure of the book was created thinking not only on the experienced immunologist but also on undergraduate and graduate students, physicians, and all members of the scientific community interested in this exciting field of research.

It has been recognized that viruses can induce neuronal damage by a variety of mechanisms. This volume summarizes, for the first time, the various ways that neurons can degenerate under the influence of viral infection, ranging from acute necrosis and virus-induced apoptosis to chronic damage in persistent infections. The mechanisms of neuronal latency are dealt with as well. The volume also includes chapters that review the chronic damage caused by viral proteins that interfere with differentiated functions of the neuron, including signaling by neurotransmitters and signal transduction by trophic factors. Other chapters deal with the controversial role of cellular immune reactions, which may be helpful in controlling infection, but may also be detrimental to the host nervous system. The specific mechanisms of damage involved in retroviral infections and in prion diseases of the nervous system are reviewed, and finally how autoimmune diseases can lead to neuronal damage.

This volume focuses on the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in contexts ranging from human cancers to cardiovascular disease and ageing. The role of lncRNAs in X-inactivation and those lncRNAs derived from pseudogenes, past retroelements integrated within the human genome, as well as the role these pseudogene-derived lncRNAs play in cancer development are discussed in detail. Further, the book examines the function of lncRNAs in diseases such as diabetes, in smooth muscle formation, and in the modulation of nuclear receptors, as well as in connection with perspectives on the development of personalized therapeutics. It offers an appealing and insightful resource for scientists and clinicians alike.

Immunology of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss provides doctors and immunologists with the information they need to help couples who experience recurrent pregnancy losses. Sections cover unexplained infertility, repeated in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer failures, history of second or third trimester pregnancy losses of unknown cause, or pregnancy with a history of or active autoimmune and/or alloimmune disease. Reproductive failure (RF), including recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) and repeated implantation failures (RIF) is rather a syndrome than a disease caused by multiple etiologies, such as anatomical, endocrine, genetic, infectious, immunological, thrombotic and unexplained etiologies, hence this book strives to present the latest information. In 27 chapters, divided in 5 sections, the book introduces the current update of reproductive immunology topics in RF and provides systematic diagnostic guidelines, systemic and immune etiologies and therapeutic approaches.

The recent developments in modern vaccinology are mainly based on: (i) cloning of microbial genes into recombinant vectors containing genetic information for expression of desired neutralizing immunogens; (ii) alternatives of attenuated vectors with deleted genes permitting the insertion of several foreign genes expressing antigens exposed to the host immune system during the abortive replication of such vectors; (iii) combined vaccines with the aim to protect against many diseases with a limited number of administrations; (iv) evidence demonstrating the ability of animals to respond serologically to DNA injections considered as a potential method of vaccination; (v) the possibility to manipulate the immune system with new and improved immunomodulators enhancing the immune response; and (vi) new microcarrier systems for particular immunogens or immunomodulators delivery, either in a single dose or sustained release, and presentation to the immune system for a relevant response. New vaccines being developed are mainly based on viral, bacterial or other vectors modified with genetic engineering technology, to possess and express desired antigens for vaccination against single or multiple infections. Existing combined vaccines like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) are also experimented with new additional components like recombinant hepatitis B virus surface antigen, inactivated poliovirus, and Haemophilus inJluenzae type b immunogens, in order to produce multivalent vaccines. Such types of vaccines permitting the reduction of multiple medical visits is of particular interest to pediatric immuni zation programs, and would benefit especially the developing countries assuring better vaccine compliance with immunization schedules."

This volume provides a practical guide providing step-by-step protocol to design and develop vaccines for human diseases. Divided into three volumes, Volume 1: Vaccines for Human Diseases guides readers through an introductory section on future challenges for vaccinologists and the immunological mechanism of vaccines. Chapters focus on design of human vaccines for viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases as well as tumor vaccines. 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 practical, Vaccine Design: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition, Volume 1: Vaccines for Human Diseases aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers to help further their study in this field.

A diverse team of leading experts comprehensively review the complex biology of a wide variety of vaccine combinations, as well as the technical, clinical, and regulatory aspects of their development. Topics covered range from the use of immunological correlates of efficacy, rather than efficacy per se, for the evaluation and licensure of vaccine combinations, to preserving a stable immunogenic mixture in appropriate containers according to accepted regulatory standards. Discussed in detail are the trivalent influenza vaccine, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, the MMR vaccine, the DTP vaccine and its combinations, and the quadrivalent rotavirus vaccine, all of which serve as models for the development of future combinations. Combination Vaccines: Development, Clinical Research, and Approval illuminates all the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and health care issues involved in the research, development, and human use of combination vaccines.

In recent years, the critical role of microRNAs has been revealed within the biology of cells that constitute the immune system. In MicroRNAs and the Immune System: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the latest techniques for studying miRNA expression, including the most up-to-date data on splinted ligation and qRT-PCR assays, as well as high-throughput profiling through cloning, deep sequencing, and microarrays. Chapters outline methods to study miRNA functions in various cell types from a single cell type level to entire model organisms, and present studies of miRNAs in the context of viruses and the immune response. Tools are also provided to help navigate bioinformatics databases on miRNAs and their targets. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Contemporary and innovative, MicroRNAs and the Immune System: Methods and Protocols is an essential handbook for immunologists, biochemists, and molecular biologists.

This book is a collection of comprehensive and latest information on all aspects of vaccination in fish and shellfish. It provides the basic understanding about the immune system of both fish and crustaceans, besides giving the latest information on adjuvants, vaccine delivery methods, adverse effects of vaccines and methods to assess the efficacy of vaccines. Separate chapters on the role of pattern recognition receptors and interferons in fish vaccination, biofilm vaccines and biosafety and regulatory requirements for fish vaccines are also included. Aquaculture, being the fastest growing food producing industry in the world, is looked upon for alleviating the malnutrition especially among the under privileged population. However, intensive aquaculture practices have led to increased incidences of diseases and significant production losses. Among various health management measures employed in aquaculture, vaccination has been proven to be the best approach to protect fish against pathogens. It is considered to be safe and is a key factor for sustainable aquaculture. In this background, apart from the basic understanding of fish and shellfish immune system, updated knowledge on various types of vaccines and the vaccination strategies currently employed in aquaculture are also covered. The book is designed to provide the latest and comprehensive knowledge on all these aspects as a compiled resource material which is useful to students, researchers and other professionals in the field of aquaculture.

This detailed volume presents a variety of animal models that are commonly used to study sepsis and some key procedures to measure specific disease outcomes. The chapters describe well-established surgical and nonsurgical rodent models of sepsis, presented by experts in the field. In addition, the book includes protocols for burn injury and sepsis, modeling the mouse intensive care unit (MICU), and the development of humanized mice, which may be useful tools to increase the translational potential of rodent sepsis research. There is a chapter discussing the use of biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis in humans and mice, as well as chapters describing specific methods for biomarker measurement, and the use of analgesics and humane endpoints in rodent sepsis research. Finally, agent-based computational modeling is presented as a valuable complementary approach to study sepsis. 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, Sepsis: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers working toward improving the identification and treatment of septic patients.

This second edition of Eosinophils: Methods and Protocols updates several techniques from the first edition together with novel in vitro and in vivo-based methodologies. Written by internationally recognized expert authorities, this volume provides vital techniques from eosinophil purification to experimental modelling, with each technique spelled out in clear and straightforward terms, assuming no previous knowledge of the method and without necessitating sourcing additional information elsewhere. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the essential materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, with tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Eosinophils: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition provides the practical means to extend our knowledge of eosinophil function in health and disease, underpinning research that may in turn lead to new hypotheses for future examinations into the role of this intriguing and enigmatic leukocyte. Chapters 10 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This compilation presents mini-reviews derived from work presented at the Aegean Conference: "First Crossroads between Innate and Adaptive Immunity," which occurred in October, 2005 at the Hilton Conference Center on the island of Rhodes, Greece. The conference included sessions dedicated to host recognition of and response to pathogens, innate immune networks, antigen presentation, and adaptive immune responses, each headlined by a leading scientist.

This detailed volume explores various aspects of the dengue virus and its four serotypes (DENV1-4). Beginning with a section on protocols to produce DENV and its proteins that are fundamental for many biophysical, biochemical, immunological, and cellular studies, the book continues by covering protocols to study the interactions between DENV and cellular proteins, DENV immunopathogenesis and diagnosis, as well as recent advances in animal models that can be used in studies of DENV immunopathogenesis and vaccine development. 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, Dengue Virus: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers attempting to further understand this critical threat to worldwide public health.

This volume explores the latest techniques used to study Mycobacterium ulcerans, and more specifically M. ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer). The chapters in this book are organized into three parts and cover methods for the detection of M. ulcerans and the analysis of host-pathogen interaction; the quantification and characterization of mycolactone, the macrolide toxin of M. ulcerans; and drug development against M. ulcerans. 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, Mycobacterium ulcerans: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that helps scientists advance their research on Buruli ulcer, which is still an under-researched field in infection biology.