Microbial Diversity in the Genomic Era presents insights on the techniques used for microbial taxonomy and phylogeny, along with their applications and respective pros and cons. Though many advanced techniques for the identification of any unknown bacterium are available in the genomics era, a far fewer number of the total microbial species have been discovered and identified to date. The assessment of microbial taxonomy and biosystematics techniques discovered and practiced in the current genomics era with suitable recommendations is the prime focus of this book.

Top scientific authors contribute their expertise and put a wealth of complex information into perspective in Skin Immune System: Cutaneous Immunology & Clinical Immunodermatology, Third Edition. This edition provides an overview of the skin immune system (SIS), a totally updated section on immunodermatological diseases, and six new chapters. Part I presents historical and comparative information on immunodermatology and includes a new chapter on the immunogenetics of inflammatory skin disease, while Part II covers the cellular elements of SIS and highlights newly defined functional subclasses of cells. Part III describes the humoral elements of SIS and provides two new chapters which focus on defensins and cathelicidins, and on the chemokines of human skin. Part IV discusses how the cellular and humoral elements of SIS interact under different circumstances and includes a new chapter on signal transduction pathways in cutaneous immunology. Part V focuses on dermatological diseases with a significant immunological background with a new chapter on the immunology of cutaneous drug eruptions, followed by Part VI on immunotherapy in dermatology, which features a new chapter reflecting the recent wave of products from biotechnology. Since the publication of the previous editions, a great deal of significant information has become available in almost all areas of cutaneous immunology and clinical immunodermatology. This progress has now been reflected in a completely updated and expanded resource.

This volume looks at in vitro disease models representing the respiratory, hepatobiliary, osteochondral, nervous, dermal, ocular, immune system, and pathological biological processes like tumorigenesis for stem cell research. The chapters in this book cover a range of diseases and application of various stem cells such as adult stem cells and iPS. Chapters also discuss new methods to characterize and manipulate stem cells with the aim to better understand and improve their biological performance. 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 thorough, In Vitro Models for Stem Cell Therapy: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers and scientists interested in learning more about this exciting field

In multicellular organisms the establishment, maintenance, and programmed alterations of cell-type specific gene expression patterns are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, DNA associated Polycomb-Trithorax protein complexes, histone modifications) ensure the unique transcriptional activity and phenotypic diversity of diploid cells that carry identical or nearly identical DNA sequences. Because DNA methyltransferase I (DNMT1) associates with replication foci during S phase and prefers hemimethylated DNA as a substrate, DNMT1 ensures the clonal propagation of cytosine methylation patterns (maintenance methylation). Thus, DNA methylation may provide a memory function by helping progeny cells to "remember" their proper cellular identity. An alternative system of epigenetic memory, the Polycomb and Trithorax groups of protein complexes, that may operate both independently from and in concert with DNA methylation, ensures the heritable regulation of gene expression via modification of histone tails. The complex interplay of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms permits both the dynamic modulation of gene expression and the faithful transmission of gene expression patterns to each progeny cell upon division. These carefully orchestrated processes can go wrong, however, resulting in epigenetic reprogramming of the cells that may manifest in pathological changes, as it was first realized during the studies of epigenetic alterations in malignant tumors. By now it became a well established fact that not only genetic changes, but also the disruption of epigenetic regulation can result in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Scientists working in other fields soon followed the pioneering work of cancer researchers, and revealed that epigenetic dysregulation forms the basis of a wide spectrum of human diseases.

Examines how conspiracy theories and related forms of misinformation and disinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic have circulated widely around the world. Commissioned by recognised experts on area studies and conspiracy theories, making use of the existing COMPACT (Comparative Analysis of Conspiracy Theories) network run by Butter and Knight. Presents case studies on how Covid conspiracism has played out, using a range of methods from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.

This book illustrates the significance and relevance of immunotherapy in modern-day therapeutics. Focusing on the application of immunotherapy in oncology, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, it discusses the drug delivery systems, and pre-clinical and clinical methodologies for immunotherapy-based drugs. It also comprehensively reviews various aspects of immunotherapy, such as regulatory affairs, quality control, safety, and pharmacovigilance. Further, the book discusses the in vitro validation of therapeutic strategies prior to patient application and management of immunotherapy-related side effects and presents case studies demonstrating the design and development (pre-clinical to clinical) of immunotherapy for various diseases. It also describes various design considerations and the scale-up synthesis of immunotherapeutics and screening methods. Lastly, it explores the important aspect of cost-effectiveness and rational immunotherapy strategies.

This second edition provides new and updated chapters useful for the study of Regulatory B cells. Organized in four sections, chapters detail basic methods for the isolation and immunophenotypical analysis of these cells, experimental approaches for the ex vivo generation/expansion of IL-10 producing B cells, molecular biology techniques for the analysis of IL-10 expression and production, and animal models mimicking pathologic settings. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include an introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Regulatory B Cells: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be useful to the scientific community and serve to clarify some unsolved aspects of Regulatory B Cells research.

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

Cancer research has progressed enormously in recent years. This review volume will address recent findings in the area of T-cell therapy for cancer, including use of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a therapy for melanoma, choice of target antigens, advances in engineered receptors, methods of gene transfer to T cells, review of cell processing methods and clinical trial design. Written by leadings scientists in the field, this up-to-date review on cancer research will be an important reference source to the researchers and healthcare professionals in the field.dari LOndon

This book discusses specific immune cell regulatory pathway(s), immune cell types, or other mechanisms involved in host responses to tuberculosis that can be potentially targeted for host-directed therapy (HDT). The pathways/mechanisms investigated are either protective - thus calling for pathway/factor enhancing drugs - or maladaptive - thus calling for pathway/factor inhibitory drugs. Discovery and development (pre-clinical and clinical) of candidate HDT agents will also be elucidated, as well as approaches for HDT of other diseases. The benefit to the reader will derive from learning about the biology of multiple host pathways involved in health and disease, how these pathways are disrupted or dysregulated during tuberculosis, and which druggable targets exist in these pathways. This book provides the reader with a roadmap of current and future directions of HDT against tuberculosis. Since the host pathways/factors involved in protective or maladaptive responses to tuberculosis are not disease-specific, information learned from the context of tuberculosis likely will be relevant to other infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Individualized dosing regimens specific to the patient, infection, bacteria, and antibiotic can optimize outcome. Integration of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, called dual individualization, can be accomplished through the use of AUIe. AUIC dosing has been shown to predict bacteriological outcomes, hasten clinical outcomes, reduce the emergence of resistance, and be cost-effective. MPC dosing has been shown to predict the emergence of resistant submutants. AUIC and MPC information can provide guidance as to when low doses can be used, and when higher concentrations are required. This strategy can ensure efficacy, minimize toxicity, reduce the opportunity for resistance to occur, and save money. REFERENCES I. Paladino JA. Streamlining antibiotic therapy: clinical application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. J Osteopath Med 1991; 5: 16-25. 2. Liss RH, Batchelor FR. Economic evaluations of antibiotic use and resistance - a perspective: report of task force 6. Rev Infect Dis 1987; 9 (suppI3): S297-312. 3. Holmberg SO, Solomon SL, Blake PA. Health and economic impacts of antimicrobial resistance. Rev Infect Dis 1987; 9: 1065-78. 4. Sanders cc. Mechanisms responsible for cross-resistance and dichotomous resistance among the quinolones. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 32(Suppl I ): S 1-8. 5. Ballow CH, Schentag 11. Trends in antibiotic utilization and bacterial resistance: report of the NNRSG. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 1992; 15(suppl):37S-42S. 6. Rice LB, Eckstein EC, DeVente J, Shlaes OM. Ceftazidime-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates recovered at the Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Clin Infect Dis 1996; 23: 118-24

This volume is focused on the development of vaccines which generate immune effectors capable of blocking mucosal entry or peripheral pathogen spread. A critical first step in the design of mucosal vaccines is the selection of administration route. Not all mucosal immunization routes are created equally when it comes to eliciting immune responses in multiple body compartments. This subject and situations when a mucosal route may not be required for vaccine delivery are reviewed here with an emphasis on the sublingual immunization route, which may offer a safer alternative to the nasal route for induction of broadly disseminated immune responses. External host defenses that inhibit entry of microorganisms at mucosal surfaces also pose obstacles to the efficient internalization of mucosally-applied vaccines. Transcutaneous immunization with appropriate adjuvants and permeation enhancers can induce mucosal immune responses and may be advantageous for bypassing these luminal barriers. Other chapters describe strategies for enhancing uptake of mucosal vaccines, for instance through targeted delivery to antigen-sampling M cells, construction of virus-like particles which mimic natural pathogens, addition of mucoadhesives or formulation as nanoparticles. Topics include edible vaccines as well as plant-based production of subunit or particulate vaccines that could be administered by any route. Dry powder vaccines that could be insufflated or directly applied to mucosal surfaces may be particularly ideal for mass vaccination in developing countries. The manufacture, stability and efficacy of powder formulations is comprehensively reviewed. We conclude with chapters on two of the greatest challenges facing mucosal vaccine development: human immunodeficiency virus and bioterrorist agents. This monograph highlights progress and information that should prove invaluable for the development of contemporary vaccines that prevent infection by these and other mucosal pathogens.

Mathematical, statistical, and computational methods enable multi-disciplinary approaches that catalyse discovery. Together with experimental methods, they identify key hypotheses, define measurable observables and reconcile disparate results. This volume collects a representative sample of studies in T cell immunology that illustrate the benefits of modelling-experimental collaborations and which have proven valuable or even ground-breaking. Studies include thymic selection, T cell repertoire diversity, T cell homeostasis in health and disease, T cell-mediated immune responses, T cell memory, T cell signalling and analysis of flow cytometry data sets. Contributing authors are leading scientists in the area of experimental, computational, and mathematical immunology. Each chapter includes state-of-the-art and pedagogical content, making this book accessible to readers with limited experience in T cell immunology and/or mathematical and computational modelling.

Contents:
1. Positive Selection of B Cell Repertoire, Idiotype Networks and Immunological Memory 2. The Utility of Immunoglobulins Fusions in DNA Immunisation 3. Constraints on the Hydropathicity and Sequence Composition of HCDR3 are Conserved Across Evolution 4. Molecular Aspects of Anti-Polysaccharide Antibody Responses 5. Molecular Farming Antibodies in Plants: From Antibody Engineering to Antibody Production

This book focuses on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of animal origin, including their isolation, characterization, and clinical applications. After briefly discussing the historical development of the field of stem cell research, it describes the basic properties and nature of stem cells particularly in relation to MSCs. In turn, it reviews materials and methods used to isolate MSCs from various sources, culture expansion, characterization and long-term storage. It also explores the therapeutic efficacy, immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory, and differentiation properties of MSCs. Importantly, the book discusses the applications of genetic engineering to enhance the efficacy and potential of MSCs in regenerative medicine. The book largely addresses the potential applications of mesenchymal stem cells in therapies for important species of domesticated animals including sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, cats, dogs and horses. Finally, the book presents an abridgement of challenges and future prospects of stem cell research and application in medicine, in general and veterinary sciences, in particular.

This second edition expands upon and updates the vital research covered in its predecessor, by presenting state-of-the-art multidisciplinary and systems-oriented approaches to complex diseases arising from and driven by the acute inflammatory response. The chapters in this volume provide an introduction to different types of computational modeling, and how these methods can be applied to specific inflammatory diseases, with a focus on providing readers a roadmap for integrating advanced mathematical and computational techniques with traditional experimental methods. In this second edition, we cover both well-established and emerging modeling methods, especially state-of-the-art machine learning approaches and the integration of data-driven and mechanistic modeling. This volume introduces the concept of Model-based Precision Medicine as an alternative approach to the current view of Precision Medicine, based on leveraging mechanistic computational modeling to decrease cost while increasing the information value of the data being obtained. By presenting the role of computational modeling as an integrated component of the research process, Complex Systems and Computational Biology Approaches to Acute Inflammation: A Framework for Model-based Precision Medicine offers a window into the recent past, the present, and the future of computationally-augmented biomedical research.

Revealing essential roles of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, this book focuses on the role of hematopoietic components of the tumor microenvironment. Further, it teaches readers about the roles of distinct constituents of the tumor microenvironment and how they affect cancer development. Topics include eosinophils, NK cells, T cells, regulatory T Cells, Langerhans cells, hematopoietic stem cells, Mast cells, B cells and Microglia, and more. Taken alongside its companion volumes, Tumor Microenvironment: Hematopoietic Cells - Part B updates us on what we know about various aspects of the tumor microenvironment as well as future directions. This book is essential reading for advanced cell biology and cancer biology students as well as researchers seeking an update on research in the tumor microenvironment.

This book sums up the mechanistic basis, current status, and future prospects of steroid inhalation as the cornerstone of prophylactic asthma therapy, identifying its kinetic basis-especially the essential airway selectivity-and including a historical account of inhaled glucocorticoid development. Makes connections among the underlying pharmacology, impact of new simulation models, newly recognized molecular targets, and therapeutic outcomes of short- and long-term steroid inhalation therapy! Containing more than 1600 works cited, drawings, tables, equations, and micrographs, Inhaled Steroids in Asthma -describes the developmental history of inhaled steroids and provides general models for lung selectivity -considers the best way to select inhaled steroids -clarifies local metabolism, airway and lung uptake and retention, and other determinants of once-daily usage -addresses variations in lung deposition and total bioavailability among available steroids and formulations -surveys the dynamics of receptor gene-mediated processes -analyzes the role of chemokines in airway allergic inflammatory diseases -discusses the effects of inhaled steroids in vivo on cell progenitors in asthma and rhinitis -details measuring airway inflammation as a guide for treatment decisions -outlines the clinical relevancy of exhaled nitric oxide in asthma -covers optimal trial design for judging antiasthmatic potency and efficacy -evaluates the safety of inhaled steroids Written by more than 40 of the world's leading authorities and investigators, Inhaled Steroids in Asthma is an authoritative reference for pulmonologists and pulmonary disease specialists; physiologists; allergists; immunologists; molecular, cell, and lung biologists; pediatricians; pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacologists; and medical school and upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students in these disciplines.

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.

This book provides comprehensive information, both for clinicians and scientists, on the basic mechanisms, clinical features, and therapeutic approaches to epilepsy as an inflammatory disease. Inflammation has been for many years considered as an etiologic player (and a therapeutic target) for a specific group of epilepsies. However, it turns out that this concept underestimated the impact of inflammation in seizure disorders. Many accepted therapies for non-inflammatory epilepsies act in part as an inflammatory drug. The CNS actively responds to acute immune challenges by altering body temperature, stimulating the HPA axis, as well as up- and down-regulating specific sympathetic pathways.

Contains patterns of allergic reactivity for disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and anaphylaxis!
Written by leading experts in the field, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Allergic Diseases covers
non-anaphylactic drug disorders
synthesis and formation of IgE antibodies
new treatments using allergenic peptides, immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, and pharmacogenomics
recent advances targeting effector mechanisms
hypersensitivity reactions to drugs
and more!
With over 3100 references, tables, drawings, and micrographs, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Allergic Diseases is an essential reference for allergists, pulmonologists, immunologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, internists, pediatricians, family practitioners, and medical students in these disciplines.