This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The study of the intestinal ecosystem of bacteria in the human gut-the gut microbiome-is a new field that is rapidly evolving. This book serves as an introduction to some of the new and exciting research that is being done in this field. Included are chapters that examine the following: * Gut microbiome's roles in the pathogenesis of obesity and autoimmune disease * The effect of nutrition on the richness of the microbial community * The stability of the microbiome to various stressors * Emerging ways to diagnose diseases using the microbiome * Exciting prospects for using these microbes to cure disease This easily accessible reference volume offers a comprehensive guide to this relatively new field of study. Edited by a researcher from Yale University, Health and the Gut: The Emerging Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Disease and Therapeutics is an authoritative and easy-to-use reference, ideal for both researchers in the field and those who wish to gain more information about the impact of gut microbiota on human health.

Food allergy is an adverse immunological reaction to allergens present in food. Up to 4% adults and 8% children are affected by food allergy. The increase in allergic diseases to food has led to the need for better diagnostics and more effective therapeutic approaches. This book describes the molecular biology and immunology of major food allergens, from laboratory based science to clinical immunology, encompassing novel characterisation and quantification methods, the application of recombinant food allergens in molecular diagnosis and the development of novel therapeutics. This book is the ideal reference tool for researchers, students and allergy clinicians to accurately diagnose and manage food allergies.

Nanomedicine for Inflammatory Diseases is a cutting-edge resource for clinicians and scientists alike, working at the intersection of development and clinical therapeutics. This text is ideal for graduate level courses in nanomedicine, translational medicine, or inflammatory disease. This book is a progressive hallmark in translational medicine as it unites clinicians treating inflammatory disease with scientists developing experimental nanomedicine therapeutics. The commonality is made through a translational nanomedicine expert - bridging the gap between the laboratory benchtop and the clinical bedside.

"Taken together, the body of information contained in this book provides readers with a bird's-eye view of different aspects of exciting work at the convergence of disciplines that will ultimately lead to a future where we understand how immunity is regulated, and how we can harness this knowledge toward practical ends that reduce human suffering. I commend the editors for putting this volume together." -Arup K. Chakraborty, Robert T. Haslam Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Professor of Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA New experimental techniques in immunology have produced large and complex data sets that require quantitative modeling for analysis. This book provides a complete overview of computational immunology, from basic concepts to mathematical modeling at the single molecule, cellular, organism, and population levels. It showcases modern mechanistic models and their use in making predictions, designing experiments, and elucidating underlying biochemical processes. It begins with an introduction to data analysis, approximations, and assumptions used in model building. Core chapters address models and methods for studying immune responses, with fundamental concepts clearly defined. Readers from immunology, quantitative biology, and applied physics will benefit from the following: Fundamental principles of computational immunology and modern quantitative methods for studying immune response at the single molecule, cellular, organism, and population levels. An overview of basic concepts in modeling and data analysis. Coverage of topics where mechanistic modeling has contributed substantially to current understanding. Discussion of genetic diversity of the immune system, cell signaling in the immune system, immune response at the cell population scale, and ecology of host-pathogen interactions.

From the first detailed clinical description of the disease in the Midwestern United States in 1918, to the isolation of the causative agent, the first of any influenza virus, in 1930to its role in the genesis of the 2009 human pandemic, swine have played a central role in the ecology of influenza. Although not considered the major natural reservoir for influenza A viruses, swine are host to a limited but dynamic assortment of viruses. A number of subtypes of influenza A viruses of human and avian origin, including H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H7, and H9, have been isolated from global swine populations. Most of these isolations have, however, been limited in number and it is only H1 and H3 influenza viruses that are known to have formed stable lineages in swine. In this respect, swine influenza viruses (SIV) are similar to their counterparts in humans where H1 and H3 viruses have also been maintained. The nature of these H1 and H3 viruses differ between the two host populations, however, and, as discussed throughout this book, are even different in swine populations in different geographic regions of the world due to multiple introductions of avian and human influenza viruses.

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Based on the proceedings of the third international symposium on "Molecular Immunology of Complex Carbohydrates," this text is the latest in a series dedicated to glycotopes, structures and functions of complex carbohydrates, recognition factors of lectins, biomolecular interactions and other glycosciences. Section I of the book pays tribute to three pioneers in the field--Walter T.J. Morgan, Elvin A. Kabat and especially Winifred M. Watkins; it presents advanced concepts concerning the structure and functions of Blood group ABH/Le-related antigens, offering a comprehensive review on human blood group ABH/Ii, Lea, b, x, y and siayl Lea, x glycotopes of human ovarian cyst glycoproteins. Section II covers the interactions of plant, bacterial and animal lectins with carbohydrates and proteins. Section III describes the structures and functions of gangliosides and microbial glycolipids. Section IV covers the physiological roles of other clycocunjugates in humans, animals, sponges and bacteria as well as aging-related alterations of glycosylation profile in humans. Section V discusses the role of carbohydrates as antigens and regulators of the immune response. Section VI addresses some aspects of the glycobiology of cancer. And section VII details new methodologies in glycol-synthesis and lectin-carbohydrate binding assays and strategies for treatment as crucial applications.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, remains a very difficult disease to treat and cure despite intensive investigation into molecular etiologies and tumor progression pathways. Due to public health efforts encouraging smoking cessation, the overall incidence of HNSCC has decreased in recent years in many countries. In contrast, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased significantly, and this subtype of HNSCC is commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Moreover, individuals with HPV-positive OPSCC are generally younger and are frequently non-smokers, suggesting that HPV-associated OPSCC represents a distinct biologic entity. This volume summarizes the spectrum of current HPV-associated OPSCC research from the fundamental basic science to translational surgery and treatment approaches. Chapters are contributed by authoritative leaders in the fields of research and clinical care. Initial chapters address epidemiology, behavioral correlates of HPV infection, and racial disparities in oropharyngeal cancer. This is followed by chapters detailing HPV virology with focus on viral transformation, viral replication, and host response to viral infection. The molecular biology of HPV-associated OPSCC is investigated in chapters detailing alterations in signaling networks and unique mutational profiles of human tumors. Clinical presentation, surgical perspectives, and treatment paradigms specific to HPV-associated OPSCC conclude the volume. This comprehensive volume provides an up-to-date overview of both scientific discovery and clinical management of this emerging public health problem.

Caroline HA(c)bert and a panel of key experimentalists and clinical investigators comprehensively review the state-of-the-art in the chemokine field, ranging from the effects of chemokines and their receptors in retroviral infections, to their role in inflammation, angiogenesis/angiostasis, and tumor cell biology. The book examines in detail fifteen recently identified chemokines and elucidates the role of chemokine function in vivo from animal experiments. Animal models are also used to explore how chemokines operate in a variety of chronic and acute inflammatory diseases and in noninflammatory processes. A detailed review of the emerging role of chemokines in viral biology is also presented, with emphasis on HIV biology and novel therapeutic possibilities. Chemokines in Disease: Biology and Clinical Research summarizes the rapidly expanding knowledge of a dazzling array of chemokines and provides fresh insights into the development of powerful new drugs for treating a wide spectrum of diseases.

Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics provides an unprecedented, comprehensive overview of the phylogeny, botany, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacology of more than 100 plants used in the traditional medical systems of Asia and Pacific. It discusses their actions and potentials against viruses, bacteria, and fungi that represent a threat of epidemic and pandemic diseases, with an emphasis on the molecular basis and cellular pathways. This book presents scientific names, the botanical classification, traditional medicinal uses, active chemical constituents, and pharmacology. This volume is a critical reference for anyone involved in the discovery of lead molecules or phytopharmaceutical products for the prevention or treatment of pandemic viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. FEATURES Phylogenetic presentation of medicinal plants and a chemotaxonomical rationale of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal actions Discusses the chemical structure-activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and oral bioavailability of antimicrobial principles Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products on viruses, bacteria, and fungi Contains a selection of botanical plates and useful bibliographic references This book is a useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutrition industries. Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics includes commentary sections that invite further research and reflection on the fascinating and timely subject of the development of drugs and herbals from Asia-Pacific medicinal plants to safeguard humanity and other life forms against the forthcoming waves of viral, bacterial, or fungal pandemics. This book is an ideal reference text for medicinal plant enthusiasts.

Health is maintained by the coordinated operation of all the biological systems that make up the individual. "The Introduction to Psychoneuroimmunology, 2e, "presents an overview of what has been discovered by scientists regarding how bodily systems respond to environmental challenges and intercommunicate to sustain health. The book touches on the main findings from the current literature without being overly technical and complex. The result is a comprehensive overview of psychoneuroimmunology, which avoids oversimplification, but does not overwhelm the reader.

Single authored for consistency of breadth and depth, with no redundancy of coverage between chapters

Covers endocrine-immune modulation, neuro-immune modulation, and the enhancing or inhibiting processes of one or more systems on the others

Expanded use of figures, tables, and text boxes

Online test bank for professors

Inflammation has invaded the field of psychiatry. The finding that cytokines are elevated in various affective and psychotic disorders brings to the forefront the necessity of identifying the precise research domain criteria (RDoCs) that inflammation is responsible for. This task is certainly the most advanced in major depressive disorders. The reason is that a dearth of clinical and preclinical studies has demonstrated that inflammation can cause symptoms of depression and conversely, cytokine antagonists can attenuate symptoms of depression in medical and psychiatric patients with chronic low grade inflammation. Important knowledge has been gained on the symptom dimensions that inflammation is driving and the mechanisms of action of cytokines in the brain, providing new targets for drug research and development. The aim of the book "Inflammation-Associated Depression" is to present this field of research and its implications in a didactic and comprehensive manner to basic and clinical scientists, psychiatrists, physicians, and students at the graduate level.

A new generation of technological vaccines protect against many infectious diseases. This book describes synthetic peptide-based vaccine prototypes - the future of vaccination. Production of peptides becomes simple using automatic synthesizers. Peptides are weak immunogen and need adjuvants to provide an effective autoimmune response, which is why peptide antigens are conjugated with biopolymers and loaded with nanoparticles. The book illustrates the use of peptides vaccine systems and makes predictions of future development not only for infectious diseases, but also for cancers and brain diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and psychiatric diseases. Key Features Summarizes current studies on technological vaccines Describes the uses of vaccines for the prevention of brain diseases Reviews the ways different polymers are used to enhance vaccine efficacy

This volume provides comprehensive explanations and detailed examples of different antibody libraries, along with novel approaches for antibody discovery. The chapters in this book are divided into four sections: 1) construction of antibody libraries; 2) selection strategies for antibodies; 3) complementary approaches for antibody selection; and 4) phage display for epitope mapping and biomarker identification. The chapters also provide a list of antibody phage display technologies and applications. 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. Cutting-edge and practical, Phage Display: Methods and Protocols will provide technical assistance to new start-ups venturing into the field of antibody phage display. This volume will also aid in stirring interest and ideas among researchers in this ever-expanding subject.

The rich biodiversity of Borneo provides many useful plants for medicinal purposes. Written by experts in the field, Medicinal Plants of Borneo provides a guide and introduction to the medicinal plants from Borneo used traditionally as well as plants whose medicinal uses have been recently discovered. These include anti-HIV plants - such as Calophyllum lanigerum (calanolide A) - and anti-cancer plants - such as Aglaia foveolata (silvestrol). The book also provides information on the relevant medicinal chemistry, such as isolated bioactive compounds and the mechanism of action, where available. FEATURES Discusses the rich experience in the use of medicinal plants and the wide diversity of Borneo's botanical resources Presents plants with medicinal properties from a scientific perspective Provides readers with current information on the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products with pharmaceutical potential Covers a range of chemical, botanical and pharmacological diversities Forms an important part of the Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants series due to an increasing global interest in natural products and botanical drugs Simon Gibbons is Head of the School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, UK, and a Professor of Natural Product Chemistry. He was formerly a Professor of Medicinal Phytochemistry at the School of Pharmacy, University College London (UCL). Stephen P. Teo is a forest botanist with the Forest Department, Sarawak, Malaysia.

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

This book focuses on immune reactions and interactions of humans with Helicobacter pylori - a human pathogen connected to gastritis, peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer. With nearly half of the world's population colonized, it has been characterized as one of the most successful pathogens for more than 100,000 years of co-evolution with its host. The respective chapters discuss not only how H. pylori infection is considered a paradigm for persistent bacterial infection and chronic inflammation, but also how the infection might be connected to host protection against gastro-esophageal diseases, asthma, and other allergic disease manifestations. Readers will gain essential insights into the roles of specific factors in the immune response and learn about the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the risk of gastric carcinogenesis. In addition, the book discusses the strategies used by this bacterium, which allow it to colonize specific sites in the stomach, interact with the microbiome, evade immune surveillance and undermine the resolution of inflammation during persistent infection. This volume presents a concise summary of recent advances in the areas of induction, resolution and escape of inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, gastric disease development, as well as treatment and vaccination against H. pylori. Accordingly, it offers a valuable asset for scientists and clinicians alike.

Heat Shock Proteins and Whole Body Physiology is an exciting new book in the Heat Shock Proteins series which provides the most up-to-date review on novel mechanisms insights into the important role played by heat shock proteins in human physiology. Written by leaders in the field of heat shock protein exercise physiology, neuroscience and aging, the chapters systematically and in a step wise fashion takes the reader through the fascinating mechanisms by which heat shock proteins modulate human disease and pathophysiology and provides answers as to its biological significance to the host. Section I, introduces the readers to the role played by heat shock proteins in various diseases and disorders (Heat Shock Proteins and Disease). Section II, addresses the role heat shock proteins play in psychological disorders including post traumatic stress disorders and learning (Heat Shock Proteins and Psychological Stress). Section III, present a detailed review of the role played by heat shock proteins in exercise physiology (Heat Shock Proteins and Exercise Physiology). This book is a must read for heat shock protein researchers, graduate and postgraduate fellows in the field of Medicine in general and specialities in Excersie Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Aging and Pathology.

This volume of Advances in Nutritional Research focuses on colostrum and milk as agents of defense against infection both for the suckling offspring and for the lactating mammary gland. The scope of the volume includes positive and negative influences of the consumption of mother's milk on the risk of infec tion, immunobiological roles of individual milk components, activities of milk and its components in promoting development of neonatal immunocompetence, the potential of milk and its components as therapeutic agents and as functional foods that support immune competence, and external influences that determine the immunological activity of milk. The volume is intended to provide a critical assessment of the limits of available information pertaining to humans and animals, together with authoritative comment regarding newer directions and unproven ideas. Part I provides a foundation for the volume. Readers unfamiliar with immunology will find, in Chapter 1, a selective outline of the anatomy and ontogeny of the mammalian immune system and of the types and regulation of immune defenses in mammals. Some emphasis is given to the place of the mammary gland within the common mucosal defense system, and to important species peculiarities in this regard. Chapter 2 is an authoritative and forward looking perspective on the development of knowledge pertaining to the immuno biology of milk as a fluid with both anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory roles. The chapter poses the provocative possibility of a tolerogenic role for milk."

This edition provides a detailed, up-to-date overview of methods used in the field of immune tolerance. Chapters guide readers through tolerogenic cell types, isolating tolerogenic cell populations for study and therapeutic utility, multiple methods to study the mechanisms underpinning tolerance, methods to induce tolerance through thymus progenitors, and methods to assess the breakdown of immune tolerance in specific pathological conditions. 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, Immunological Tolerance: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

Recent research has focused attention on the importance of intrinsic antiviral immunity, i.e. immunity mediated by factors that are constitutively expressed in many cells. In this volume, leading experts provide a comprehensive overview of this relatively new and rapidly evolving field. They cover intrinsic proteinaceous antiviral immune effectors, such as the APOBEC3 and TRIM protein families as well as Tetherin and SAMHD1, which were initially discovered by researchers studying HIV-1. Furthermore, the role of RNA interference in antiviral defense in plants and invertebrates, as well as the interplay between microRNAs and viruses in mammalian cells, are analysed. One chapter discusses how intrinsic immunity and viral countermeasures to intrinsic immune effectors drive both pathogen and host evolution, and finally the emerging evidence that DNA damage response proteins restrict infection by DNA viruses is highlighted.

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

This book deals with the paradoxical role of autophagy in tumor suppression and tumor promotion in cancer cells. Autophagy plays opposing, context-dependent roles in tumors; accordingly, strategies based on inhibiting or stimulating autophagy could offer as potential cancer therapies. The book elucidates the physiological role of autophagy in modulating cancer metastasis, which is the primary cause of cancer-associated mortality. Further, it reviews its role in the differentiation, development, and activation of multiple immune cells, and its potential applications in tumor immunotherapy. In addition, it examines the effect of epigenetic modifications of autophagy-associated genes in regulating tumor growth and therapeutic response and summarizes autophagy's role in the development of resistance to a variety of anti-cancer drugs in cancer cells. In closing, it assesses autophagy as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for all oncologists and researchers who wish to understand the potential role of autophagy in tumor biology.

The HIV pandemic continues to levy a heavy burden on the human race world-wide. The estimated number of people who became newly infected with HIV in 2009 was 2.6 million; most of these individuals live in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by India and Southeast Asia. An estimated 370,000 new cases of pediatric infections occurred globally in 2009 (or more than 1,000 new infections every day), practically all of them through mother-to-child transmission. Up to 40% of all new infant HIV infections occur during breastfeeding. While breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is not recommended in the U.S. and other resource-rich settings where safe replacement feeding is easily available, the situation is different in many resource-limited settings, where replacement feeding is not safe or available and carries a high risk of infections (diarrhea, pneumonia) and infant malnutrition. Mothers in such settings are faced with a difficult dilemma: to breastfeed their infants in order to provide their infants with its many benefits (nutritional, immunologic, cognitive), but to also risk transmitting HIV. These challenges have prompted an intensive search for new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in order to prevent infants from acquiring HIV infection through breastfeeding. In this book, expert HIV researchers critically review every aspect of this highly evolving and topical subject. The opening chapters deal with the epidemiology, global magnitude and biologic mechanisms of HIV-1 transmission from mother to child through breastfeeding and include considerations of the virus (quantity, compartments, characteristics) and the host (genetic, immunity-innate, cellular, humoral). The effects of breastfeeding on the HIV-infected mother's health and nutritional status, and the social and cultural issues associated with the practice of breastfeeding are also discussed. The next few chapters provide cutting-edge reviews of the latest approaches to prevention of HIV transmission to the infant through breastfeeding, including antiretroviral strategies, nutritional and immune-based approaches, and treatment of expressed breast milk. The remaining chapters provide a fascinating review of the many iterations this subject has received, as reflected in the several different sets of guidelines for infant feeding by HIV-infected mothers issued by the World Health Organization, and a debate by leading scientists on whether HIV-infected mothers should breastfeed their infants-in resource-limited and in resource-rich settings. A comprehensive overview of the current state of implementing the new evidence for prevention of breastfeeding transmission of HIV all over the world is also presented. Essential reading for the many disciplines of scientists and clinicians working on HIV/AIDS and other retroviruses, pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, as well as all health-care professionals interested in expanding their understanding on the subject.

Continuous genetic variation and selection of virus subpopulations in the course of RNA virus replications are intimately related to viral disease mechanisms. The central topics of this volume are the origins of the quasispecies concept, and the implications of quasispecies dynamics for viral populations.

The bioscience of immunology has given us a better understanding of human health and disease. Artificial intelligence (AI) has elevated that understanding and its applications in immunology to new levels. Together, AI for immunology is an advancing horizon in health care, disease diagnosis, and prevention. From the simple cold to the most advanced autoimmune disorders and now pandemics, AI for immunology is unlocking the causes and cures. Key features: A highly accessible and wide-ranging short introduction to AI for immunology Includes a chapter on COVID-19 and pandemics Includes scientific and clinical considerations, as well as immune and autoimmune diseases