This detailed book focuses on various aspects of Invariant Natural Killer T-Cells (iNKT), which are known to contribute to homeostasis and autoimmunity and can also cause various pathological responses such as allergy, infection, excessive autoimmune response, and cancer. The volume explores techniques for identification and isolation of iNKT cells, iNKT cell activation and transformation, as well as proliferation and differentiation and much more. 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, Invariant Natural Killer T-Cells: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for researchers working with and studying iNKT cells, perhaps to provide a deeper knowledge of the human immune system.

This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the state of knowledge on the role of microbes in inducing autoimmune diseases. The initial chapters address the basic concept and clinical implications of immunology, while the following section discusses the role of genetics, epigenetics, hormones, stochastic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. The third section introduces readers to various autoimmune disorders and presents the cellular and molecular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases. In closing, the book examines the role of intestinal flora in the development of autoimmune diseases, delineates the underlying mechanism responsible for autoimmunity onset, and examines the potential of microbial therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for all scientists and clinicians working in immunology, rheumatology and autoimmune diseases.

Volume Allergic Diseases is a comprehensive, multi-authored reference work, offering a broad appeal to microbiologists, immunologists, and infectious disease specialists. The volume explores all aspects of allergic diseases, body systems and vaccines. Emphasis is placed on genetics, physiology, metabolism, pathogenesis, and applied microbiology. Under the leadership of some of the most world renowned names in the field, the encyclopedia brings together an outstanding collection of contributions by top scientists in a variety of fields. The entries are listed alphabetically and provide full references. The volume covers the following topics: * Food Allergy and gastrointestinal Allergic Diseases * Insect Allergy * Allergy Diagnosis and Testing * Allergy Treatment: Pharmacotherapy * Asthma and Other Allergic Lower Respiratory Disease * Biology of IgE, Mast Cells and Eosinophils * Specific Allergens Causing Human Disease * Atopic Dermatitis, Urticaria and Dermatologic Allergy * Allergy Treatment: Immunotherapy, Immunomodulator Therapy and Allergen Avoidance

This book provides a lucid summary of behavioral, neural and endocrine regulation of immune responses and of the effects of immune system activity on neural and endocrine functions and behavior. The underlying premise is that the brain and immune system represent a single, integrated system of defense. The discussion includes such topics and stress induced modulation of innate resistance and adaptive immunity in influenza viral infections.

There is increasing evidence that the CD1 system has been conserved throughout mammalian evolution and is capable of presenting structurally diverse diacyglycerol, sphingolipid, polyisoprenol and lipopeptide antigens. These features of CD1 antigen presentation systems now point to a new and expanded view of the natural function of ab T cells, which involves surveillance of both the protein and lipid components of target cells. Further, cellular systems that were previously considered to have functions in lipid metabolism can now be studied in context of their immunological functions. This volume provides a comprehensive discussion of these basic aspects of CD1 biology and summarizes the most recent research into the role of CD1 in infectious, autoimmune, allergic and neoplastic disease.

Aegean Conferences is an independent, nonprofit, educational organization directed and managed by the scientific community. The board is made up of nine researchers/scientists in various disciplines from Harvard, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, UCSD, Princeton, Biovista and the Foundation for Biomedical Research Academy of Athens. The board both invites and approves unsolicited proposals for Conferences in all fields of Science, Engineering, Arts, and Humanities. The purpose of the Conferences is to bring together individuals with common interests to examine the emerging and most advanced aspects of their particular field.

This volume will include mini-reviews derived from work to be presented at the Aegean Conference: Second Crossroads between Innate and Adaptive Immunity, in Crete, Greece, June 17-22, 2007. This meeting is designed to serve as a forum to discuss the most recent progress in complement research as it pertains to human disease pathogenesis and therapeutics. The rapid pace of development in complement basic research and the advent and application of new experimental approaches in this field have now allowed us to take an integrated view of the in vivo biology of the complement system. The availability of new reagents (e.g. synthetic and recombinant inhibitors) and animal models (e.g. transgenic and knockout mice) has enabled us to address, in an in vivo setting, its involvement in various pathophysiological conditions. Such studies are shedding new light on the pathogenetic mechanism of complement-related diseases such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory tissue damage as well as defining new areas of high interest such as the developmental biology of complement. They also provide the basis for developing new therapeutic strategies for these diseases through manipulation of in vivo complement activity. This volume will serve as a resource where the latest development in these specific areas will be discussed in a more focused and detailed manner.

Both nutrition deficiency and overnutrition can have a significant effect on the risk of infection. Nutrition, Immunity, and Infection focuses on the influence of diet on the immune system and how altering one's diet helps prevent and treat infections and chronic diseases. This book reviews basic immunology and discusses changes in immune function throughout the life course. It features comprehensive chapters on obesity and the role of immune cells in adipose tissue; undernutrition and malnutrition; infant immune maturation; pre- and probiotics; mechanisms of immune regulation by various vitamins and minerals; nutrition and the aging immune system; nutrition interactions with environmental stress; and immunity in the global health arena. Nutrition, Immunity, and Infection describes the various roles of nutrients and other food constituents on immune function, host defense, and resistance to infection. It describes the impact of infection on nutritional status through a translational approach. Chapters bring together molecular, cellular, and experimental studies alongside human trials so that readers can assess both the evidence for the effects of the food component being discussed and the mechanisms underlying those effects. The impact of specific conditions including obesity, anorexia nervosa, and HIV infection is also considered. Chapter authors are experts in nutrition, immunity, and infection from all around the globe, including Europe, Australia, Brazil, India, and the United States. This book is a valuable resource for nutrition scientists, food scientists, dietitians, health practitioners, and students interested in nutrition and immunity.

The proposed book is envisioned for the nascent and entry-level researchers who are interested to work in the field of drug delivery and its applications specifically for macrophage targeting. Macrophages have gained substantial attention as therapeutic targets for drug delivery considering their major role in health and regulation of diseases. Macrophage-targeted therapeutics have now added significant value to the lives and quality of life of patients, without undue adverse effects in multiple disease settings. We anticipate examining and integrating the role of macrophages in the instigation and advancement of various diseases. The major focus of the book is on recent advancements in various targeting strategies using delivery systems or nanocarriers followed by application of these nanocarriers for the treatment of macrophage associated disorders. Macrophage Targeted Delivery Systems is primarily targeted to Pharmaceutical Industry & Academia, Medical & Pharmaceutical Professionals, Undergraduate & Post graduate students and Research Scholars, Ph.D, post docs working in the field of medical and pharmaceutical sciences.

This edited volume explores Campylobacter species, which are some of the most important foodborne pathogens. Above all, contaminated poultry meat can cause human gastroenteritis in both developed and developing countries. The respective contributions reveal how these infections can also increase the risk of generalized paralytic diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, Miller-Fisher syndrome, and Chinese paralytic syndrome. Due to their influence on the nervous system, circulatory system, and various organs, Campylobacter infections represent a serious public health concern. Campylobacter can be effectively combated by addressing the hygienic conditions in both food production and human lifestyles. Accordingly, the authors put forward a One Health perspective, which provides readers with essential insights into the basic biology of Campylobacter, as well as practical guidance on aspects ranging from food production to the clinical treatment of infections. Chapters 'Population Biology and Comparative Genomics of Campylobacter Species' and 'Natural Competence and Horizontal Gene Transfer in Campylobacter' are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This biography of Dr. Denis Parsons Burkitt, after whom the childhood cancer Burkitt's lymphoma was named, and who was a pioneer of the dietary fiber movement, paints a personal but holistic portrait of both the man and his life's work. Featuring excerpts from Dr. Burkitt's personal diaries, spanning seven decades from his boyhood to just before his passing, and extensive family archives, this book invites readers to follow Burkitt's journey through life and experience his tribulations and successes. Prof. John Cummings was a colleague of Dr. Burkitt and weaves the tale of his life through the lens of family, faith, and science. The journey takes Burkitt from his childhood in Ireland, a country undergoing major social upheaval, through his medical studies in Dublin, to army service in Africa in the midst of WWII and the independence movements that swept the continent in the following years. During his two decades spent in Uganda, working for the Colonial Medical Service, Burkitt made his first major contribution to cancer research - the characterization of Burkitt's lymphoma and its possible viral cause. Following his return to England in 1966, he turned his attention to the cause of 'Western Diseases' especially the role of dietary fibre in the prevention of disease and promotion of health. This earned him even wider international recognition and helped to inspire what is a vital field of research today. The book examines Burkitt's personal views of the world around him, including his experiences as a committed evangelical Christian who had been raised an Irish Protestant, and the challenges, both familial and cultural, that this elicited from and towards him and his scientific work. The lymphoma and later the fibre story propelled Denis into an orbit of worldwide travel, fame and many honours. An engaging speaker but man of great humility, always giving the credit for much of what he did to others, he left a legacy of evidence and ideas for the causes of cancer and prevention of disease from which we all now benefit.

This book reviews the relationship between receptors, carbohydrate moieties, and pathogenic surfaces and lectins' pathophysiology of immune responses and examines the mechanisms of action of the molecules for the treatment potentials. Increasing evidence has suggested that lectin-carbohydrate interactions perform important roles in various regulations of immune responses, but much remains to be learned about these crucial properties and their interplay with other molecules. In addition, a better understanding of the structural and functional properties of lectin and the activated immune response will be of critical importance for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. These key areas are the focus of this book, which documents the latest research findings in the field. Evidence is provided for the various lectin types from animal and plant as well as microbial or marine lectins, and this wide range of molecular knowledge directs us to various diseases, including infectious diseases and cancer. In presenting state-of-the-art knowledge on the interactions between lectin and its interactions,the book will help to pave the way for the development of novel targets for the prevention and treatment of many disorders.

This book discusses prospective alternative approaches to fight bacterial infections to minimize the indiscriminate use of conventional antibiotics. It offers the current knowledge on research and development of alternative antibacterial agents such as probiotics, nanobiotics etc. while it also discusses newly emerging trends such as phage therapy, antibody therapy etc. The book highlights on the phytochemicals with potent antibacterial activities as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Chemical modification to develop next generation antibiotics with enhanced efficacy has also been included. Such modifications are reported to overcome the inherent resistance of the parent antibiotics. Phage therapy and targeted antibodies are considered as potential alternative approaches to treat bacterial ailments and represent areas of cutting-edge research and have therefore been discussed with sufficient care. Mainly, the book highlights various approaches other than conventional antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. The scientific advancements in these areas will strengthen the 'One Health' approach benefiting human beings, animals and environment as well. This book is a comprehensive resource to cater researchers, biological scientists, herbalists and clinical practitioners with up-to-date information on antibacterials other than antibiotics.

The book Heat Shock Proteins in Inflammatory Diseases provides the most comprehensive highlight and insight of the expression, function and therapeutic activity of Heat Shock Proteins in inflammatory diseases including sepsis, psoriasis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, viral infection and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Using an integrative approach, the contributors provide a synopsis of the most current updates on the state of HSP in inflammatory diseases. Key basic and clinical research laboratories from major universities, academic medical hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories around the world have contributed chapters that review present research activity and importantly project the field into the future. The book is a must read for graduate students. medical students, basic science researchers and postdoctoral scholars in the fields of Cancer Biology, Oncology, Translational Medicine, Clinical Research, Biotechnology, Cell & Molecular Medicine, Pharmaceutical Scientists and Researchers involved in Drug Discovery.

This detailed book provides a broad collection of methodologies for natural killer (NK) cell research. Beginning with an assortment of methods for the isolation of NK cells and NK cell differentiation, the volume continues with methodologies for functional tests, such as cytotoxicity, viral infection, and metabolism assays, as well as clinical applications of NK cells. 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, Natural Killer (NK) Cells: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers looking to contribute to the further development of basic and clinical NK cell research.

Natural killer (NK) cells have been at the forefront of immunology for two decades. During that time, a great amount of information about these cells has been obtained. They are important in antiinfectious and antitumoral defense and shape the adaptive immune response. In addition, they can act as immunoregulatory cells. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy has become increasingly evident. This book describes in detail current knowledge about NK cells and covers a broad range of NK cell-related topics, including those that are not frequently reviewed, e.g. NK cells and allergy or NK cells and skin diseases.

This book introduces nanoparticles as a powerful platform for vaccine design. Current challenges in vaccine development are discussed and the unique advantages nanoparticles provide in overcoming these challenges are explored. The authors offer fascinating insights into the immunological assets of using nanoparticles as delivery vehicles or adjuvants and present different materials that are being used in nanoparticle-based vaccine development, covering peptides, proteins, polymers, virus-like particles, and liposomes. Its contemporary research insights and practical examples for applications make this volume an inspiring read for researchers and clinicians in vaccinology and immunology. Chapter "Liposome Formulations as Adjuvants for Vaccines" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This volume reviews the unique and common features of rhabdoviruses, which have a very wide host range and are associated with human diseases and also infect domestic livestock and agricultural plants, causing enormous economic loss.

This book offers an overview of the statistical methods used in clinical and observational vaccine studies. Pursuing a practical rather than theoretical approach, it presents a range of real-world examples with SAS codes, making the application of the methods straightforward. This revised edition has been significantly expanded to reflect the current interest in this area. It opens with two introductory chapters on the immunology of vaccines to provide readers with the necessary background knowledge. It then continues with an in-depth exploration of the analysis of immunogenicity data. Discussed are, amongst others, maximum likelihood estimation for censored antibody titers, ANCOVA for antibody values, analysis of data of equivalence, and non-inferiority immunogenicity studies. Other topics covered include fitting protection curves to data from vaccine efficacy studies, and the analysis of vaccine safety data. In addition, the book features four new chapters on vaccine field studies: an introductory one, one on randomized vaccine efficacy studies, one on observational vaccine effectiveness studies, and one on the meta-analysis of vaccine efficacy studies. The book offers useful insights for statisticians and epidemiologists working in the pharmaceutical industry or at vaccines institutes, as well as graduate students interested in pharmaceutical statistics.

This book comprehensively describes the association between metabolic syndrome and pancreatic cancer progression, and the mechanism of action and target definition with a view to drug discovery. Metabolic syndrome, which includes adnominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, has recently been shown to play an important role in the etiology and progression of various cancers. Further, obesity and diabetes have been associated with an increased incidence of gastric cancers. The book reviews the key biological mechanisms underlying the association between metabolic dysregulation, including obesity-associated enhancement of growth factor signaling, inflammation, and perturbation in pancreatic cancer cell growth and metastasis. It also illustrates the role of the inflammatory signaling pathway in metabolic diseases as well as tumor growth and explores the potential of these pathways as the rational targets for pancreatic cancer therapy. Lastly, the book offers a comprehensive description of the challenges associated with diabetes and pancreatic cancer therapy.

This detailed book serves as a systematic examination of the analytical methods to study the transcription factor NF- B in physiology and disease. It provides an up-to-date guidebook to navigate both conventional and highly specialized methods to detect and analyze the different signaling pathways of NF- B activation and contextualize them within organismal physiology and disease pathogenesis, using genetic and biochemical techniques and some of the most advanced computational and systems biology methods. Additionally, the volume includes several examples of approaches utilized by leading experts in the NF- B field to analyze and modulate NF- B signaling in specific physiological and disease contexts, along with some of the most promising approaches to pharmacologically target the NF- B pathway in human disease. 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, NF- B Transcription Factors: Methods and Protocols is an up-to-date guide intended for both basic and translational scientists who are working in the dynamic NF- B field.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health challenge as the third leading cause for cancer related mortalities worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, the five-year survival rate for CRC patients has remained the same over time due to the fact that patients are often diagnosed in advanced metastatic stages. Drug resistance is another common reason for poor prognosis. Researchers are now developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination nanotechnology for drug delivery. In addition, the identification of new biomarkers will potentiate early stage diagnosis. This book is the first of three volumes on recent developments in colorectal diagnosis and therapy. Each volume can be read on its own, or together. Each volume focuses on different novel therapeutic advances, biomarkers, and identifies therapeutic targets for treatment. Written by leading international experts in the field, coverage also addresses the role of diet habits and lifestyle in reducing gastrointestinal disorders and incidence of CRC. Chapters discuss current and future diagnostic and therapeutic options for colorectal cancer patients, focusing on immunotherapeutic, nanomedicine, biomarkers, and dietary factors for the effective management of colon cancer.

This detailed volume focuses on the development of mycosis vaccines via the most common etiological agents of mycoses, such as Aspergillus and Candida species, followed by Cryptococcus, dimorphic fungi, and members of Mucoraceae family of fungi. The book is sectioned into five parts that describe experimental approaches for vaccine candidate discovery, improved vaccine design and delivery, assessment of critical endpoints, analysis of mechanisms of mycosis vaccine protection, and key methods for clinical translation. 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 known pitfalls. Practical and authoritative, Vaccines for Invasive Fungal Infections: Methods and Protocols provides a standard reference for vaccine researchers, including those who aspire to strengthen their knowledge or desire to acquire a particular technique.