This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics provides a comprehensive review of autoimmune skin diseases, including bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, linear IgA disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, blistering and bullous diseases.

Many questions remain unresolved as researchers continue to characterize and define the nature of normal immune homeostasis and determine how these processes are dysregulated in immunodeficiency, as well as in autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders. Immune Homeostasis: Methods and Protocols focuses on experimental techniques for measuring and analyzing immune cell dynamics, with a particular emphasis on examining lymphocyte programmed cell death in different contexts. With contributions by leading experts in the field, the collection examines detailed protocols for studying various pathways of apoptosis and necrosis in different types of hematopoietic cells, both in vitro and in vivo, methods for studying the maintenance of lymphocyte populations in the steady-state or following infectious challenges in both mice and humans, and technical insights into state-of-the-art genomics tools, among other topics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) 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. Valuable and easy to use, Immune Homeostasis: Methods and Protocols serves as an important toolkit for basic and clinical scientists interested in examining various aspects of immune homeostasis in both normal and disease-related contexts in order to further study the dynamic processes that contribute to homeostasis of the immune system.

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Otolaryngologists, Facial Plastic Surgeons, and other reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons deal with patients who are having rhinoplasty procedures with concomitant rhinology and allergy medical conditions. Likewise, they deal with patients with these medical conditions who have already undergone rhinoplasty surgery. This resource presents clinical information for the practitioner working with these patients that includes "How to approach the rhinoplasty patient with allergy and sinus issues, ? a decision algorithm for "Yes or No: can this patient have rhinoplasty surgery, and a summary of how the allergy and sinus problems will affect the outcome of rhinoplasty. Topics include: Chronic rhinosinusitis; Allergic rhinitis; Non-allergic rhinitis; Allergic skin disease; Concurrent Rhinoplasty and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery - A review of the pros and cons and a template for success; Pharmacotherapy of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis; The role of alternative medicine in rhinology; Sinonasal problems and reflux; Bacteriology and antibiotic resistance in chronic rhinosinusitis; Smell and taste disorders

The introduction of monoclonal antibodies revolutionized immunology. The development of human monoclonal antibodies was inspired primarily by the enormous clinical benefits promised by these reagents which can be used as anti-inflammatory reagents, anti-tumor reagents and reagents for passive immunization in a variety of pathologies. Human Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols presents technical protocols of cellular and molecular methods for the production, purification and application of human monoclonal antibodies, as well as review articles on related topics of human monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Human Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies which will prove invaluable in a clinical setting.

The International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies is held every three years to discuss the recent advances and future directions in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). This volume collects the scientific highlights and new findings about APS that were generated from the most recent 13th Congress, held in Galveston, Texas in 2010. Chapters were written by an internationally-distinguished group of scientists from the point-of-view of multiple specialty areas. Each chapter was written in a uniform and systematic basis to present the latest evidence-based research, including the basic science of APS, task force reports from the Congress on controversial aspects of APS, and future directions of APS research. This book will appeal to all clinicians involved in the treatment and management of APS patients, to residents in a variety of medical subspecialties, and to research scientists interested in a better understanding of this complex and evolving disease.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics provides the latest essential updates in food allergies.? Topics include the following: mechanisms of allergic sensitization to foods-bypassing immune tolerance pathways; determinants of food allergenicity; epidemiology of food allergy; prevention of food allergy through manipulating the timing of food exposure; diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis; the burden of food allergies and mental health issues; state-of-the-art and new horizons in food allergy diagnostic testing; food-induced anaphylaxis; oral tolerance; immunotherapy for food allergy; complementary and alternative medicine for food allergy; paradigm shift in management of milk and egg allergy-baked milk and egg diet.

This book provides a comprehensive summary of the cutting edge scientific evidence regarding the role of immune system in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. It illustrates the role of inflammation and immunity in schizophrenia drawing on both basic science and clinical research. The chapters provide up-to-date summaries of immunological risk factors for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, and underlying mechanisms as informed by neuroimaging, genetic, clinical and animal experimental studies. In addition, the book will illuminate the scope for immunological treatment for schizophrenia.

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

The present book intends to provide an update on immunosenescence and how deficiencies in the immune system contribute to a higher susceptibility to infections, decline in organ function, reduced vaccination responses, age-related disease and the ageing process itself, negatively affecting longevity. Our focus is on the main changes in immune system cells and their products occurring during the ageing process and the possible consequences for health and disease. This includes: discussion of the modulatory and/or suppressive mechanisms associated with the alterations in T regulatory cells, B regulatory cells and Myeloid Derived Suppressor cells; changes in the immune system observed in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, lung disease and frailty will also be discussed. Most importantly we provide recent literature information about possible interventions (focusing on physical activity) that could alleviate the negative effects of immunosenescence. The Ageing Immune System and Health is a comprehensive guide on the field intended to all physicians, researchers, professors and students interested on relationship between immune system, ageing and health.

This volume comprises the cumulative subject index for volumes 37 to 65 of the Advances in Immunology series.

This volume focuses on the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its analogs in the induced sequestration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs or in the microenvironment of tissues involved in infection or autoimmune disease. Initial chapters define the pathways to understand S1P signaling. They cover the organization of signaling systems, the structural biology of the S1P1 receptor, and the chemical and genetic tools that are available and useful to explore this area of research and therapeutics. The later chapters highlight S1P and endothelial integrity, lymphocyte migration in the spleen, and S1P agonist in controlling immunopathologic manifestations of acute respiratory influenza virus infection (in the lung), and its accompanying cytokine storm as well as immunopathologic disease of the central nervous system, including the beginning of treatments in multiple sclerosis. One chapter reveals the possible involvement of other lipid molecules, their use for better understanding lipid signaling, and their potential in the modulation of immune responses.

Topics include: History of Allergy;? Epidemiology of Allergy;? Types of Rhinitis;? Differential Diagnosis including Allergy Mimics;? Immunology;? Physical Findings in Allergy;? Diagnosis including lab testing and physical examination;? Associated Conditions and Comorbidities;? Role of Allergy in Serous Otitis Media;? Role of Allergy in Meneire's Syndrome;? Asthma;? Polyposis;? Allergic Fungal Sinusitis;? Treatment - Environmental Controls;? Pharmacotherapy;? Traditional Immunotherapy;? Sublingual (SLIT) Immunotherapy;? The Allergic March;? Surgical Treatment of Allergies;? Inhalant Allergies in Children;? Food Allergies in Adults and Children.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America brings the clinician up to date on essential topics in occupational asthma.? Articles cover definition; classification; epidemiology; old and new causes; pathogenesis and disease mechanisms; clinical assessment including differential diagnosis; and management of work-related asthma and related conditions.? Other subject matter includes occupational rhinitis; irritant-induced asthma and reactive airways dysfunction; hypersensitivity pneumonitis and related conditions; and evaluation of impairment and disability.

Molecular Structure of the Arenaviruses: Arenavirus Ultrastructure and Morphogenesis; R.W. Compans. Glycoproteins of the Arenaviruses; J.W. Burns, M.J. Buchmeier. Antigenic Diversity among the Arenaviruses; C.R. Howard. Genetic Variation in Junin Virus; C.E. Coto, et al. Mechanism of Arenavirus RNA Synthesis; D. Kolakofsky, D. Garcin. Subgenomic RNAs of Tacaribe Virus; M.T. Franze-Fernandez, et al. Arenavirus Cellular Tropisms and Virulence; D.G. Harnish, et al. Immuno-Pathology, Vaccines, and Epidemiology Lymphocutic Choriomeningitis Virus; C.J. Pfau, A.R. Thomsen. Molecular Anatomy of the Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Response to Lympocytic Choriomeningitis Virus; L.S. Klavinskis, et al. Virus Induced Acquire Immune Suppression by T Cell Mediated Immunopathology and Vaccine Strategies; R.M. Zinkernagel. Construction and Evaluation of Vaccines for Lassa Fever; D.D. Auperin. 8 additional articles. Index.

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.
* Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine studying abnormalities and diseases of the musculoskeletal system: Joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Immunology is a branch of medicine studying abnormalities and diseases of our immune system. Immune diseases are either due to deficiency of the immune system leading to "immunodeficiency" or due to failure of recognizing the "self" from "non-se'f" and attacking the own system, leading to "autoimmune disease," or due to hypersensitivity diseases such as allergic rhinitis. Rheumatic and Immunologic diseases are closely related because the underlying etiology of certain rheumatic diseases is abnormality of the immune system. Understanding the immune system is the key factor in recognizing the abnormalities in rheumatic diseases. Therefore, clinical immunologists and rheumatologist may occasionally see and treat similar conditions. In fact some specialists are dually trained in Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology. What makes these two branches of medicine different is their uniqueness. Rheumatologists for example evaluate and treat arthritis (diseases of the joints) such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, to name a few. Allergists and clinical Immunologists treat hypersensitivities such as allergic rhinitis, bee sting allergy, and allergic asthma, and immunological diseases such as immunodeficiencies among others. Both specialists, however deal with autoimmune diseases. Why a Book in Immunology and Rheumatology? Our musculoskeletal structure holds and protects our internal organs. Any insult to such structure, excluding acute bone fractures, results in various conditions known as rheumatic diseases. Whether the involved area is a joint, a cartilage, or a muscle, the understanding of the immune system helps to elucidate the mechanisms of such diseases. As the population ages in the 21st century, the role of rheumatology and Immunology becomes more apparent and appreciated. Approaching a patient with multiple rheumatic diseases is not an easy task. In fact our immense system is perhaps the most complicated system of the human body; this is due to presence and interactions of myriad of cells and chemical mediators that participate in complex pathways such as the inflammatory response and others to defend the body and respond to pathogens. In addition, our immune system protects us against further exposure to harmful substances. Although there are several books on the subjects of immunology and rheumatology, this case-based study of these two subjects is a unique way of reviewing and discussing such complicated areas of medicine. The Book Format: This book will be divided into 6 parts and 16 chapters. The Estimated length: 300-350 manuscript pages. As with the previous titles I have edited (and which have received very favorable reviews), each chapter will consist of 2 or more cases with discussion, and 5 multiple choice questions per case. This title will be similar to Challenging Cases in Pulmonology (Springer 2011), and Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin (Springer, 2010), Challenging Cases in Allergy and Immunology (Humana Press, 2009).

This volume is a collection of chapters from the leading experts in the relatively new and burgeoning field of persister cell studies. Persisters play a leading role in the recalcitrance of chronic infections, and enable the development of classical antibiotic resistance. The focus of the book is on studies that provide an understanding of the mechanisms of persister formation, antibiotic tolerance and role in disease, at the molecular level.

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America brings the clinician up to date on essential topics in rhinitis, including the following.? The primary clinical symptoms and their causes are defined.? The wide range of current treatments are discussed, including the use of antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, anticholinergics, decongestants, cromolyn, guafenesin, saline washes, capsaicin, and leukotriene antagonists.? The efficacy of allergy avoidance is discussed.? The future treatment of rhinitis is also explored.? The current understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis is covered.? The definition, clinical characteristics, and diagnosis of nonallergic rhinopathy are also covered.? Causes of rhinitis are presented, including causes of mixed, gustatory, viral, hormonal, pregnancy-related rhinitis medicamentosa; and senile rhinitis.? A discussion and comparison of subcutaneous versus sublingual immunotherapy is also explored.

Osteoimmunology pertains to the study of the relationship between the bones, particularly the bone marrow, and the immune system. This monograph pursues the best available evidence, by means of research synthesis, for the characterization of the physiological relevance and pathological implications of the inter-connectedness between the skeletal and the immune system. Research will be discussed that highlights the associated role of the circulatory, nervous and endocrine systems, as well as proteomic and genomic pathways and signatures. Emphasis is given that domain of medicine that relates to the oral cavity, its diseases and their systemic sequelae. This monograph arises from observations that have suggested that the skeletal system and the immune system are intimately intertwined. Chronic inflammatory reactions subsequent to an excessive immune reaction can damage the bones, as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, patients seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and with signs and symptoms of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and bone cancer. Bones - in particular the bone marrow - are one of the primary locations in which cells of the immune system mature. In brief, this monograph begins to answer a range of questions, such as, what is osteoimmunology all about?, does the immune system and its components affect bone development?, how do stress hormones impact upon the pathophysiology of bone-immune interactions?, can the scientific process of research synthesis, obtain the best available evidence for treatment of diseases involving the bone-immune entity (i.e., osteo immunopathologies) means of evidence-based clinical decision-making directed at the treatment of osteoimmune pathologies?

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.
* Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

The immune systems of human and non-human primates have diverged over time, such that some species differ considerably in their susceptibility, symptoms, and survival of particular infectious diseases. Variation in primate immunity is such that major human pathogens - such as immunodeficiency viruses, herpesviruses and malaria-inducing species of"Plasmodium"- elicit striking differences in immune response between closely related species and within primate populations. These differences in immunity are the outcome of complex evolutionary processes that include interactions between the host, its pathogens and symbiont/commensal organisms. The success of some pathogens in establishing persistent infections inhumans and other primateshas been determined not just by the molecular evolution of the pathogen and its interactions with the host, but also by the evolution of primate behavior and ecology, microflora, immune factors and the evolution of other biological systems.

To explore how interactions between primates and their pathogenshave shaped their mutual molecular evolution, "Primates, Pathogens and Evolution"brings together research that explorescomparativeprimate immune function, the emergence of major and neglected primatediseases, primate-microorganism molecular interactions, and related topics. Thisbookwill be of interest to anyone curious as to why infectious diseases manifest differently in humans and their closest relatives. It will be of particular interest to scholars specializing in humanand non-human primate evolution, epidemiology and immunology, and disease ecology."Primates, Pathogens and Evolution"offers anoverview and discussion of current findings on differences in the molecular mechanics of primate immune response, as well as on pathogen-mediated primate evolution and human and non-human primate health."

KEY TOPICS:
Ig A Deficiency
The Role of Cellular Immunity in Protection against HIV Infection
Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus: Immunological Interplays between Virus and Host
The Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing
NF-kB in cytokine gene expression
NF-kB as a target for immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory molecules

Key Features
* A Deficiency
* The Role of Cellular Immunity in Protection against HIV Infection
* Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus: Immunological Interplays between Virus and Host
* The Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing
* NF-kB in cytokine gene expression
* NF-kB as a target for immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory molecules

First published in 1943, "Vitamins and Hormones" is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology and enzyme mechanisms.

Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, "Vitamins and Hormones" continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.

This volume focuses on vitamins and the immune system.
*Longest running series published by Academic Press
*Contributions by leading international authorities