This title discusses all aspects of non-infectious and non-cancer- so called NINC - vaccines. Hypertension, diabetes and allergy vaccine development are referred to as well as the use of adjuvants and nanotechnology in vaccine development. The way of novel vaccines from bench to preclinical to clinical studies and launch to the market under EMEA (European Medicines Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines are described in-depth. The book is therefore of interest for researchers and clinicians engaged in vaccine development and molecular vaccine application.

The human foetus is separated from the maternal blood by the syncytiotrophoblast induced by endogeneous human retrovirus-encoded proteins. This barrier is a highly developed one, which suppors apical-basolateral transport of maternal idiotype and anti-idiotype IgG, IgG-virus complexes. The selective maternal-fetal transport of epitope- and paratope-bearing entities can influence the developping fetal immune system during pregnancy. The bidirectional maternal-fetal transfer of cells are of even more importance during pregnancy. Maternal cells with latent viruses transport viruses without impairment of fetal development. Cells with premaligant and malignant genetic transformation are also transported to the fetus. Fetal and neonatal tumours are initiated by such cells in spite of the antitumour potential of fetal organism. On the contary, the fetal cells repair maternal tissue injouries and survive in the organisms of the recipients for decades. These possess new consequences for the neonatal immunity and organ transplatation surgery.

The Guide to AIDS is succinct review of HIV/AIDS from a human-interest perspective. Chapters focus on some of the common patterns and prevention of HIV transmission and debunks misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Brief descriptions the human immune system and epidemiology of HIV are included. The cultural component of disease, treatment and living with AIDS is central to much of this guide intended to synthesize, explain and de-mystify HIV and AIDS. key selling featurws: Provides a simplified brief review of HIV and the disease it causes - AIDS Debunks myths associated with HIV transmision such as through mosquito bites Identifies simple and low cost ways to prevent the transmission and spread of HIV Illustrates the crucial role that culture plays in the prevention of HIV spread and AIDS treatment Puts a human face on the problem of diagnosing and living with AIDS

Growth factor receptors have long been known to drive malignant transformation and cancer progression. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB, HER) system is likely the best described membrane receptor tyrosine kinase family in malignant tumors. With implementation of the growth-inhibitory anti-HER-2 antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) for the treatment of HER-2-positive advanced metastatic breast cancer, a new era has dawned in the therapy of this malignant disease. Unfortunately, trastuzumab-sensitive cancers invariably develop resistance to the antibody after some time. Recent clinical studies have revealed that these refractory tumors are still responsive to inhibition of the HER receptor family using dual HER-1/-2 inhibitors such as lapatinib (Tykerb/Tyverb). Moreover, a multiplicity of novel, improved irreversibly acting small molecular HER tyrosine kinase inhibitors are in the pipeline of many drug developing companies and are being evaluated in the clinical setting.

"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.

This biography probes the unusual mind, the dramatic life, and the outstanding scientific work of Danish-born immunologist Niels Jerne (1911-1994). Jerne's Nobel Prize-winning achievements in the field of immunology place him in the pantheon of great twentieth-century biomedical theorists, yet his life is perhaps even more interesting than his science. Science as Autobiography tells Jerne's story, weaving together a narrative of his life experiences, emotional life, and extraordinarily creative scientific work. A legendary figure who preferred an afternoon of conversation in a Paris wine bar to work in the laboratory, Jerne was renowned for his unparalleled powers of concentration and analytical keenness as well as his dissonant personal life. The book explores Jerne the man and scientist, making the fascinating argument that his life experience and view of himself became a metaphorical resource for the construction of his the ories. The book also probes the moral issues that surrounded Jerne's choice to sacrifice his family in favor of scientific goals and the pursuit of excellence.

Liver metastases are a frequent and often fatal occurrence in cancer patients, particularly those with malignancies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While recent improvements in surgical techniques and a more aggressive approach to resection of liver metastases have improved long term survival for some patients, most patients with hepatic metastases still succumb to their disease. To improve these dismal statistics, a better understanding of the biology of liver metastasis, particularly the early stages that can be targeted for prevention, is essential.

Once cancer cells enter the liver, several different scenarios may occur. The cancer cells may be immediately destroyed by local defence mechanisms, they may enter a state of dormancy as solitary cells and never produce a metastasis, initiate a short-lived process of proliferation that is aborted before a metastasis is established or actively proliferate to form macrometastases. The chapters in Part I of this book provide insight into the cellular/molecular mechanisms that determine which of these scenarios prevails. Written by experts researchers in the filed of metastasis, these chapters provide state-of-the art reviews on the cellular and molecular processes that impact the early stages of the metastatic process. The unique microenvironment of the liver, its various anatomical, cellular and molecular features and the impact they have on metastasis are highlighted. In addition, the role of inflammation (pre-existing and tumor-induced), host innate and adaptive immune responses, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and the unique molecular signatures of metastatic tumor cells are reviewed with an underscoring of the translational implications of the current state of knowledge.

Against this background, the chapters in Part II of the book provide critical reviews on major aspects of the clinical management of hepatic metastases. These include imaging strategies, surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment approaches and the use of targeted biological therapeutics such as anti-angiogenic drugs as treatment modalities.

By combining information on biological and clinical aspects of liver metastasis, this volume will serve as an excellent resource for scientists, clinicians, clinician/ scientists and trainees in the domains of oncology, surgical oncology, hepatobiliary physiology and radiology. "

From a biomedical engineering perspective, this book takes an analytic, quantitative approach to describing the basic components of physiological regulators and control systems (PRCs). In Endogenous and Exogenous Regulation and Control of Physiological Systems, the author provides grounding in the classical methods of designing linear and nonlinear systems. He also offers state-of-the-art material on the potential of PRCs to treat immune system ailments, most notably AIDS and cancer.

The book focuses on certain "wet" physiological regulators, such as those using endocrine hormones as parametric control substances. Endogenous and Exogenous Regulation and Control of Physiological Systems includes simulations that illustrate model validations and the putative control of cancer and HIV proliferation. It explores novel, untried immunotherapies on the cutting-edge of PRC treatment and explores the latest technologies.

Introduction; L.C. Chen, et al. Epidemiolgy and Policy: AIDS and Reproductive Health; K. LaGuardia. Policy and Legal Aspects of AIDS Interventions; H. Fineberg. Risk Factors in Transmission: Factors Affecting Female-to-Male Transmission of HIV1; F.A. Plummer, et al. Interrelationships Between HIV Infection and Other STDs; J. Wasserheit. Contraception, Family Planning, and HIV; D. Hunter, J.K.G. Mati. Perinatal Transmission: Mother to Fetus/Infant Transmission of HIV1; O. Meirik. HIV Perinatal Transmission and Reproductive Health; P. Kanki, et al. Methods for Decreasing HIV Transmission to Infants; S.J. Heymann. Interventions: An Overview of AIDS Interventions in High-Risk Groups; P. Lamptey. Intervention Research Needs for AIDS Prevention Among Commercial Sex Workers and Their Clients; B. de Zalduondo, et al. 7 additional articles. Index.

This volume presents a collection of reviews derived from work presented at the Aegean Conference: "3rd Crossroads between innate and adaptive immunity" which occurred during September 27 - October 2, 2009 at the Minoa Palace Conference Center in Chania, Crete, Greece. This meeting was the third in a series, and assembled a team of scientists working on mechanisms by which the innate immune system of the host senses pathogens, the cellular and signaling networks that orchestrate the innate response and antigen presentation and adaptive immunity. The various facets of the innate response, including dendritic cells, T cells, B cells, NK cells, NK-T cells and the complement cascade during the host response to pathogens and tumors is only now starting to be elucidated. The respective fields that focus on these immune cells and molecules have tended to be relatively compartmentalized, and yet emerging evidence points to the interconnectedness of these facets in coordinating the innate response, and its subsequent impact on the adaptive response. The goal of this conference was to initiate cross-talk between these diverse immunological fields, and promote and facilitate discussion on the interactions between the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response and ultimately facilitate collaboration between these areas of study. Following on the footsteps of the outstanding success of its precursors, the "3rd Crossroads between Innate and Adaptive Immunity" Aegean Conference was highly successful in bringing together and connecting scientists and experts from around the world to address critical areas of Innate and Adaptive immunity.

This text provides a concise and comprehensive introduction to key immunotoxicological issues for all those interested in, but with no prior knowledge of, this area of toxicology. The first section explores the health consequences of immunotoxicity, namely the adverse effects related to chemically-induced immunosuppression and immunostimulation, hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases, with an overview of major immunotixicants. The second part describes the latest methods used to detect and evaluate, preclinically and clinically, the unexpected immunotoxic effects of xenobiotics. Trends in implementing strategies and recent changes to the regulatory aspects are also considered. The third section examines possible future developments, including "in vitro" methods, biomarkers of immunotixicity and risk assessment.

This text provides a concise and comprehensive introduction to key immunotoxicological issues for all those interested in, but with no prior knowledge of, this area of toxicology. The first section explores the health consequences of immunotoxicity, namely the adverse effects related to chemically-induced immunosuppression and immunostimulation, hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases, with an overview of Major Immunotoxicants. The Second Part Describes The Latest Methods Used to detect and evaluate, preclinically and clinically, the unexpected Immunotoxic Effects Of Xenobiotics. Trends In Implementing Strategies And recent changes to the regulatory aspects are also considered. The third section examines possible future developments, including In Vitro Methods, Biomarkers Of Immunotixicity And Risk Assessment.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203362551

We are celebrating this year the hundred years anniversary of allergen-specific immunotherapy. In 1911 Leonard Noon published his seminal work "Prophylactic inoculation against hay fever" describing his attempts to achieve active immunity against "grass pollen toxin" by administering increasing doses of grass pollen extract before the grass pollen season to allergic patients. Although it was unknown at that time that allergy represents an immunological hypersensitivity disease, the treatment was effective and many observations made by Noon remained valid until today. Today allergen-specific immunotherapy is well established as the only allergen-specific and disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergies and has long-lasting effects. In fact, more than 25% of the population suffer from IgE-mediated allergies which therefore represent a major health burden of our society, particularly because untreated allergy often progresses to severe disabling forms of disease, such as asthma and sometimes kills sensitized people through anaphylaxis."

Discussing the systemic immune response in the contexts of health, disease, and therapy, this unique resource-the only broadly based book of its kind available on the subject-offers comprehensive examinations of the pathways and agents that affect the human immune response and provides state-of-the-art presentations on practical methods of immune modulation. Focuses on the immune response and modulation in infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and parasitic infections and highlights immune modulating agents in gastrointestinal diseases, sepsis, cancer, and autoimmunity! Written by over 50 international authorities representing distinguished institutions in nine countries, Immune Modulating Agents -introduces basic immunoregulatory mechanisms as homeostasis -details cytokines, cellular and humoral immune responses, and hematopoiesis -describes neuroendocrine - immune system interactions and the role of psychological stress on immune competence -delineates factors that influence disease susceptibility, including nutrition -covers drug delivery systems, gene therapy, organ transplantation, arthritis treatment, and vaccination strategies -shows how to design clinical trials using immune modulating agents -and more!

Based on a conference on Oxidative Stress and Redox Regulation, held at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, this work examines fundamental, chemical, biological and medical studies of free radicals on different targets and the consequences of their reactivity. It covers the chemistry and biochemistry of free radicals, free radicals as second messengers that group the activation of transcription factors and enzymes, the importance of the antioxidant system in cell metabolism regulation, and the role of free radicals and antioxidants in disease management. The editors of this work are three of the most respected pioneers in the field. Dr. Montagnier is credited as the discoverer of HIV.

Over 90 percent of the population suffers from inflammation or an autoimmune disorder. Until now, conventional medicine has said there is no cure. Minor irritations like rashes and runny noses are ignored, while chronic and debilitating diseases like Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis are handled with a cocktail of toxic treatments that fail to address their root cause. But it doesn't have to be this way.

In The Autoimmune Solution, Dr. Amy Myers, a renowned leader in functional medicine, offers her medically proven approach to prevent a wide range of inflammatory-related symptoms and diseases, including allergies, obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, lupus, IBS, chronic headaches, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Leading researchers review the activation of the mammalian immune system by bacterial DNA and its immunostimulatory sequences (ISS), and consider the applications of ISS in clinical medicine. The authors survey the latest findings concerning the receptor-recognition and signaling pathways triggered by ISS , the process of cell activation, and the potential vaccination strategies using ISS. Specific pharmaceutical applications discussed include infectious disease (Hepatitis B, HIV, and mycobacterial infections), allergy (asthma and conjunctivitis), cancer (lymphoma), and inflammation and autoimmunity (arthritis and colitis).

Empasizing advances in local cell recruitment, this text offers coverage of the cells, mechanisms and proteins involved in allergic inflammation. It provides over 2200 bibliographic citations; overviews of adhesion molecule biology; and lists of molecular nomenclature and function.

Written by the foremost researchers in the field, this book gathers together in a single source the many important clinical associations of antiphospholipid antibodies. Antibody-related clotting mechanisms and their relationship to conditions such as recurrent strokes, chorea, multi infarct dementias, a variety of spinal syndromes, Addison's Disease, recurrent miscarriages, and many more are discussed in depth. The importance of these antibodies in 'Primary,' 'Secondary,' and 'Catastrophic' Antiphospholipid Syndrome is highlighted. Each chapter is devoted to a specific internal system and the clinical effects this syndrome has on that system. This authoritative book is an essential addition to medical libraries as well as an invaluable reference for general physicians, internists, rheumatologists, neurologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, and obstetricians.

Integrates the latest advances in polysaccharide chemistry and structure analysis, with the practical applications of polysaccharides in medicine and pharmacy, highlighting the role of glycoconjugates in basic biological processes and immunology. It also presents recent developments in glycobiology and glycopathology. The work covers bacterial, fungal and cell-wall polysaccharides, microbial and bacterial exopolysaccharides, industrial gums, the biosynthesis of bacterial polysaccharides, and the production of microbial polysaccharides.

Plasma membrane-associated channels known as gap junctions, along with their protein building blocks-connexins-have an important functional role in a range of immunological processes, including heart function, cell growth and specialization, and early development. Spanning basic science and potential clinical applications, Connexin Cell Communication Channels: Roles in the Immune System and Immunopathology assembles and synthesizes four decades of the most important research carried out in this field. The book first provides a historical overview of the discovery of these membrane channels in cells and tissues of the immune system. It describes their general molecular and biological characteristics and examines how they participate in the evolution, organization, function, and regulation of leukocytes, as well as their interaction with other tissues. The next section examines immunologically related disease scenarios where gap junctions and connexins have been shown to play a fundamental role. The contributors explain how gap junctional communication participates in the establishment and maintenance of immunological properties such as antibody and cytokine production, as well as lymphocyte immune surveillance in both physiological and pathological conditions. The book explores the most important technical approaches used and how they have been specially adapted to answer key biological questions particular to the mobile nature of leukocytes. It also describes the most recent understanding of how gap junctions and connexins participate in antigen recognition, cross-presentation, lymphocyte activation, and in the assembly and function of the immunological synapse. Finally, the book focuses on the latest progress made on translating the knowledge gained to specific treatment modalities. Topics in this section include approaches for reducing scarring and cardiac arrhythmia, combating inflammation in the central nervous system, and enhancing epithelial tissue repair. A comprehensive view of achievements in this promising field, the book will inform and update specialists, clinical practitioners, and those studying the potential for commercial applications.

Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.

This is a review of what needs to be done to realize the potential of monoclonal antibodies. It assesses the competing technologies with advice on the best approach for a particular situation. Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized immunology and are now promising to have a similar impact on clinical medicine. Recent developments should overcome many of the difficulties experienced in the past which has seen a great deal of talk about the therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies, but very little routine therapy.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of antibody technology. It discusses in detail the new generation of engineered antibodies and the latest developments in immunoassay techniques and applications, as well as describing conventional methods of antibody production and use. Antibody Technology will bring the reader up-to-date with current methods, helping the reader to make informed decisions on the best approach to a given task with regard to cost, time and final application.

Ebola: Clinical Patterns, Public Health Concerns is a concise description and discussion of the Ebola virus and disease. The intended audience is medical practitioners, including those working in endemic areas as well as health-facility planners and public health practitioners. The book fills an important gap between large texts covering not only Ebola but other hemorrhagic fever viruses and brief pamphlet-style publications on the public health aspects of the infection. In light of the recent large outbreak in West Africa, this book is a part of the developing foundation needed to deal with emerging diseases.