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.

About 7 million people worldwide are suffering from various inherited neuromuscular diseases. Gene therapy brings the hope of treating these diseases at their genetic roots. Muscle Gene Therapy is the only book dedicated to this topic. The first edition was published in 2010 when the field was just about to enter its prime time. The progress made since then has been unprecedented. The number of diseases that have been targeted by gene therapy has increased tremendously. The gene therapy toolbox is expanded greatly with many creative novel strategies (such as genome editing and therapy with disease-modifying genes). Most importantly, clinical benefits have begun to emerge in human patients. To reflect rapid advances in the field, we have compiled the second edition of Muscle Gene Therapy with contributions from experts that have conducted gene therapy studies either in animal models and/or in human patients. The new edition offers a much needed, up-to-date overview and perspective on the foundation and current status of neuromuscular disease gene therapy. It provides a framework to the development and regulatory approval of muscle gene therapy drugs in the upcoming years. This book is a must-have for anyone who is interested in neuromuscular disease gene therapy including those in the research arena (established investigators and trainees in the fields of clinical practice, veterinary medicine and basic biomedical sciences), funding and regulatory agencies, and patient community.

This detailed volume provides methods to guide assay development, procedures designed to investigate the chemokine and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) networks, as well as their interactions, in a wide range of organs and tissues in disease and in health. The initial chapters in this book present in vivo models used to examine the roles of chemokines and GAGs in normal physiology and in the pathophysiology of disease. The book then explores present cell- and tissue-based in vitro assays to examine chemokine:GAG interactions. Finally, analytic approaches are presented that provide assays for measuring GAGs, chemokines, and cellular responses. 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 practical, Chemokine-Glycosaminoglycan Interactions: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to analyze chemokine and GAG functions, interactions, and molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

This volume details practical procedures on the latest DNA vaccine technology. Chapters guide readers through methods and protocols on DNA vaccine design, the adjuvant influence, production and purification methodologies, delivery systems, and approaches of the influence of DNA vaccines in the immunological response performance and in the cancer immunotherapy. 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, DNA Vaccines: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

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.

The third edition of this volume is aimed at providing both beginners and more experienced researchers a choice of methods to isolate and analyze dendritic cells(DC). An introductory review provides an overview of recent advances in the characterization of DC subsets in mouse and human. While additional chapters provide methods to culture human and mouse dendritic cells, protocols for the isolation of dendritic cells, the isolation of dendritic cell progenitors from mouse, and the purification of dendritic cells from human blood. 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, Dendritic Cell Protocols, Third Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This book provides a detailed overview of B-cell directed therapies in patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjoegren syndrome, ANCA-associated vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia. Organ-specific autoimmune diseases are discussed with respect to the use of B-cell directed therapies in neurological autoimmune diseases and autoimmune cytopenias. Situations in which B-cell targeted therapy may be indicated are identified, thereby offering comprehensive support for therapeutic decisions on the basis of the latest published evidence. The book also offers a valuable reference tool for rheumatologists, internists, nephrologists, immunologists, and all specialists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases.

The ground-breaking book that tells you how to improve your immune system, fight off ill-health and treat auto-immune diseases. A leading doctor of functional medicine, Dr Susan Blum includes her innovative four-step method in this book, which focuses on: Using food as medicine Understanding the stress connection Healing your gut and digestive system Optimizing liver function Each of these sections includes an interactive workbook to help you determine and create your own personal treatment program. Also included are over 50 recipes for simple, easy-to-prepare dishes to jump-start the healing process. The Immune System Recovery Plan is a revolutionary way for people to balance their immune systems, transform their health, and live fuller, happier lives.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, Volume 147 in the Advances in Cancer Research series, provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research in the area of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) in the context of major basic science and translational advances, their importance in the development of a large number of anti-cancer drugs over the decades, and a peek into postulated advances in the coming decades for a number of RTK. Chapters in this new release are contributed by a group of International leading scientists who have a rich history in this field.

This book contains the proceedings of the XVIII International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2018). A majority of those who spoke and presented posters at the meeting contributed to this volume. The blinding diseases of inherited retinal degenerations have no treatments, and age-related macular degeneration has no cures, despite the fact that it is an epidemic among the elderly, with 1 in 3-4 affected by the age of 70. The RD Symposium focused on the exciting new developments aimed at understanding these diseases and providing therapies for them. Since most major scientists in the field of retinal degenerations attend the biennial RD Symposia, they are known by most as the "best" and "most important" meetings in the field. The volume presents representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy. While advances in these areas of retinal degenerations were described, there will be many new topics that either are in their infancy or did not exist at the time of the last RD Symposium, RD2016. These include the role of inflammation and immunity, as well as other basic mechanisms, in age-related macular degeneration, several new aspects of gene therapy, and revolutionary new imaging and functional testing that will have a huge impact on the diagnosis and following the course of retinal degenerations, as well as to provide new quantitative endpoints for clinical trials. The retina is an approachable part of the central nervous system (CNS), and there is a major interest in neuroprotective and gene therapy for CNS diseases and neurodegenerations, in general. It should be noted that with successful and exciting initial clinical trials in neuroprotective and gene therapy, including the restoration of sight in blind children, the retinal degeneration therapies are leading the way towards new therapeutic measures for neurodegenerations of the CNS. Many of the successes recently reported in these areas of retinal degeneration sprang from collaborations established at previous RD Symposia, and many of those were reported at the RD2016 meeting and included in the current volume. We anticipate the excitement of those working in the field and those afflicted with retinal degenerations is reflected in the volume.

Antimicrobial resistance will become a global health threat since antimicrobial treatments continue at the forefront of the defense against microbial infections. To respond to the issue, this detailed book explores vital methodologies currently in use to advance our understanding of antibiotic issues and answer the worldwide demand for novel antibiotics therapies. Beginning with a review chapter that guides the reader through the worldwide demand for novel antibiotics therapies, the volume continues with sections covering new screening procedures and environmental sources, advances in analytical, microbiological, and biotechnological methodologies, antibiotic production and antibiotic resistances, as well as considerations of drug trials and clinical concerns regarding multi-resistant patients. 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, Antimicrobial Therapies: Methods and Protocols provides a reference source for health, laboratory, and industrial professionals, as well as for graduate students in a number of bio-sanitary disciplines, including medicine, nursery, biotechnology, veterinary, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, nutrition, farming, and more. Chapter "14" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

The present volume focuses on microbial invasion strategies of pathogen uptake. An accompanying volume (Vol. 5) in the series presents the phagocytic process from the viewpiont of the host cell.
This field of study is growing rapidly after a somewhat slow start over recent decades. This collection of invited chapters attempts to reflect current research and brings together cell biologists, microbiologists, and immunologists wiht disthemes, hopefully like a symphony rather than a boring catalogue. It will be evident that editorial bias favors intracellular parasitism and medically important organisms. The neutrophil is far more than a supporting player to the macrophage and some attempt is made to remind the reader of some of its unique skills. To retain a manageable size, the emphasis is on relatively early events such as mutual recognition, cell entry, and response, rather than on longterm changes in gene expression by either host cell or pahtogen. Viruses are excluded not because of lack of importance but because of somewhat different research approaches, although it is becoming increasingly clear that large viruses (e.g. "Vaccinia") and "Listeria monocytogenes," share common strategies in invasion and intercellular spread.

This book summarizes the progress in studies of tuberculosis host-pathogen interactions from several perspectives: molecular microbiology, immunology, animal models, clinical studies, epidemiology, and drug discovery. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a severe global public health problem. Complex interactions between environmental, microbial and host factors lead to clinically relevant infections. Studies on bacterial virulence, host-genetic, and immunological factors contributing to the susceptibility to TB provide an ever-growing foundation of knowledge that is critical to finding new interventions. Studies of immune mechanisms against M. tuberculosis infection have identified immunological markers associated with specific phenotypes in the host, providing insight into how they may be used to augment current treatment strategies. Recent advances in diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines, as well as basic-research oriented studies have shed light on the development of new directions for prevention, treatment and control of TB. Improved understanding of the interplay between the bacterium and host is a key component of reducing incidence worldwide.

Cancer Health Equity Research, Volume 146 in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Pubertal Mammary Development as a 'Susceptibility Window' for Breast Cancer Disparity, Review of Patient Navigation Interventions to Address Barriers to Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials, Racial Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Research, Mighty Men: A Faith-Based Weight Loss Intervention to Reduce Cancer Risk in African American Men, Design of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Increase Rates of Surgery among African Americans with Early-Stage Lung Cancer, and much.

This volume provides a comprehensive reference guide for researchers to study the applications of labeled antibodies. Chapters guide reader through the theory and practice of immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. 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 useful tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to scientists to help further their study in this field

Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy - Integrated Methods Part B, Volume 636 in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Chapters in this update include Quantification methods of Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF?ss) activity in the setting of cancer immunotherapy, Decoding cancer cell death-driven immune cell recruitment: An in vivo method for site-of-vaccination analyses, Tracking and interrogating tissue-resident and recruited microglia in brain tumors, Metabolomics and lipidomics of the tumor microenvironment, Monitoring abscopal responses to radiation in mice, and much more.

This volume provides inflammasome instructions and tips to study different aspects of inflammasome biology. Chapters guide readers through how to assess canonical and non-canonical inflammasome activation, in vitro immune and non-immune cells, whole blood, biochemical assays to evaluate ASC oligomerization, gasdermin D cleavage, and mapping phosphorylated residues of NLRP3. 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, The Inflammasome: Methods and Protocols aims to provide protocols that will serve as tools for current and aspiring researchers interested in studying inflammasomes.

Until recently, the contribution of immunological knowledge to the under standingand management ofENTdisorders was slight, being largely confined to the appreciation that many rhinitic patients were allergic. Happily, this situation is rapidly changing: the immunological basis of many disorders of the ears, nose and throat is becoming recognized and the mechanisms of the reactions involved are being elucidated. From this, rational therapy should evolve. This book aims to highlight some of the areas in which immunological mechanisms are involved in otorhinolaryngology. It is written by experts in their respective fields of immunology and allergy, otology, rhinology and pathology. It opens with an overview ofthe pathways ofthe immune response and the cells and molecules involved, leading to an appreciation of the normal defence mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract and possible areas offailure. There is then a chapter on HIV infection and how this may present to otorhinolaryngologists. The normal function of the tonsil and the immunological effects oftonsillectomy are then considered. The varying roles of fungi in ENT disorders ranging from commensal through allergen to invasive organisms is assessed by Professor R. J. Hay. Perhaps the most obvious immunological contribution to management thus far lies in the immunocytochemical diagnosis of pathological conditions of the ears, nose and throat and this is covered in a chapter by Professor Leslie Michaels."

Section I: T Cell Receptors and T Cell Activation.- T Cell Receptor Structure and Function: Analysis by Expression of Portions of Isolated Subunits.- The T Cell Antigen Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathway.- Dissection of the Hb(64-76) Determinant Reveals That the T Cell Receptor May Have the Capacity to Differentially Signal.- CD28 Receptor Crosslinking Induces Tyrosine Phosphorylation of PLC?1.- Structure and Function of CD45: A Leukocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase.- Multidrug Resistant Gene 1 Product in Human T Cell Subsets: Role of Protein Kinase C Isoforms and Regulation by Cyclosporin A.- Integrins, T Cells, and Autoimmunity.- The Interleukin-2 Receptor: A Target for Immunotherapy.- Section II: T Cell Development.- Lymphocyte Development in Mice Deficient for MHC Class I Expression.- Generation of Mutant Mice Lacking Surface Expression of CD4 or CD8 Gene Targeting.- Alteration of T Cell Lineage Commitment by Expression of a Hybrid CD8/CD4 Transgene.- Differential Involvement of Protein Tyrosine Kinases p56lck and p59fyn in T Cell Development.- Mechanism of Tolerance Induction.- Section III: B Cell Development, Activation, Proliferation, And Differentiation.- B-Lymphocyte Lineage-Committed, IL-7 and Stroma Cell-Reactive Progenitors and Precursors, and Their Differentiation to B Cells.- Regulatory Cells and Cytokines Involved in Primary B Lymphocyte Production.- The Role of IL-7 and Its Receptor in B-Cell Ontogeny.- Role of Contact and Soluble Factors in the Growth and Differentiation of B Cells by Helper T Cell.- B-Cell Activation Mediated by Interactions with Membranes from Helper T Cells.- The Low Affinity IgE Fc Receptor (CD23) Participates in B Cell Activation.- Section IV: Adhesion Molecules: Structure, Regulation and Functions.- T Cell Adhesion Cascades: General Considerations and Illustration with CD31.- Analyses of VLA-4 Structure and Function.- On the Regulation of ?2 Integrins.- Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Adhesion as an Active, Multi-Step Process: A Combinatorial Mechanism for Specificity and Diversity in Leukocyte Targeting.- Contributors.

Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Integrated Methods - Part A, Volume 635 in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Specific chapters to this release include Deconvolution of the immunological contexture of mouse tumors with multiplexed immunohistochemistry, High-dimensional multiplexed immunohistochemical characterization of immune contexture in human cancers, Multiplex assay by IHC for melanoma tumor microenvironment evaluation, Characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment by multispectral image analysis of multiplex immunofluorescence images, Phenotyping of immune cells in situ using multispectral imaging quantification, and much more.

M. BENcovA Slovak Foundation Education in Immunogenetics Kopanice 25, 821 04 Bratislava Slovak Republic Short History of Slovakia After the end of the 5th century, the major part of Central Europe was dominated by Slavs (Slovaks). They had already in the 7th century settle ments in the vicinity of towns Bratislava, Devin, Nitra to create the Slovak's state formation with the name "The Empire of Sam," territory of which corresponded to that of Slovakia of present. The Empire of Sam was also the first state formation in the Central Europe (as present states Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia etc. ) Very important town of this state was Nitra, with the biggest Castle in the Central Europe with his Duke Pribina. The first Church of the Central Europe was built here in the year 830, and it is now considered to be the "Slovak Bethlehem." In the year 880, Nitra also became the first Office of Bishops. Later, the Slovak Duke Pribina and Moravian Duke Mojmir (Moravia corresponded to eastern part of the present Czech Republic) joined their formations to common state "Greate Moravian Empire." The strongest King of the Great Moravian Empire was Svatopluk (864 A. D. ), who spread his empire over Czech Republic, Hungary and part of Poland, Ukraine and eastern Germany of present, which at that time still did not exist as state formations."

GPCR Signaling in Cancer, Volume 145, the latest release in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights recent developments in the area of GPCRs and cancer biology. Chapters included in this volume cover several GPCRs and their downstream effectors as case examples to highlight their fundamental understanding and therapeutic potential. Specific chapters address the Role of GRKs and beta-arrestins in cancer, Atypical GPCRs in cancer, the Role of a chemokine receptor (CCR) 5 in cancer, Targeting G protein-coupled receptors for therapeutics in cancer, Emerging GPCR signaling pathways in cancer, and more. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a large family of cell surface receptors which are involved in nearly every cellular and physiological event. These receptors can recognize a broad array of ligands and they are targeted by nearly one third of the currently prescribed drugs including anti-cancer therapeutics.

Inflammatory Disorders - Part B, Volume 120 explores inflammation in the immune system and how the body's own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, thus resulting in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues. Chapters in this updated volume include Proteins in monogenic autoinflammatory disorders, Virulence factors and their roles in periodontal disease pathogenesis, Role of Heat shock proteins in Inflammatory disorder Rheumatoid Arthritis, Novel targeted therapies for Crohn's disease: Recent progress and future perspectives, Dietary plant flavonoids in prevention of obesity and diabetes, Small RNAs in allergic diseases, Inflammation and inflammasome during ageing and age-related diseases, and more.

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