Wolf's discovery demonstrating that a reporter gene is expressed in myocytes subsequent to injection of naked DNA, was exploited by immunologists and vaccinologists to develop a new generation of vaccines. This observation galvanized the research and in a short lapse of time, an oceanic volume of knowledge has been accumulated. The research carried out in a variety of animal models showed the efficacy of genetic immunization against viruses, bacteria, and some parasites by the ability to induce a strong priming effect resulting from long-lasting persistence of plasmid as episomes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that newborn or infant immune unresponsiveness to classical vaccines can be corrected by genetic immunization. The applications of genetic immunization for prophylaxis of infections was extended to immunotherapy, namely, cancerous, auto immune, and allergic diseases. Immunologists have provided pertinent information on the cellular basis of the immune responses elicited by genetic immunization, and molecular biologists have established the molecular basis of intrinsic adjuvant properties of plasmids."

This volume focuses on the laboratory and clinical experience with targeting viral onco-antigens, while also reviewing the approaches to targeting self-cancer antigens in cancers of non-viral origin, where self-tolerance has been a challenge. It emphasizes the importance of selecting the right vaccine platform to induce a successful immune response against cancer antigens. In addition, the volume discusses the advances made with genetic vaccines, including recent advances with DNA vaccines and the rapid transition of mRNA vaccines from the laboratory to bedside. The new avenues opening up for cancer immunotherapy underline the importance of combinational approaches using cancer vaccines with costimulatory antibodies, which may dramatically improve cancer treatment. This book is intended for all translational researchers and clinicians who aspire to develop novel vaccination approaches for cancer patients with unmet clinical needs.

Active specific immunotherapy is a promising but investigational modality in the management of cancer patients. Currently, several different cancer vaccine formulations such as peptides, proteins, antigen-pulsed dendritic cells, whole tumor cells, etc. in combination with various adjuvants and carriers are being evaluated in clinical trials (1-3). To determine the optimal cancer vaccine strategy, a surrogate immunological end-point that correlates with clinical outcome needs to be defined, since it would facilitate the rapid comparison of these various formulations. Traditional immunological assays such as ELISA, proliferation and cytotoxicity assays can detect immune responses in vaccinated patients but are not quantitative. In contrast, novel assays such as enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, intracellular cytokine assay and tetramer assay can quantitate the frequency of antigen-specific T cells. Of these, the ELISPOT assay has the 5 lowest detection limit with 1/10 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and has been determined to be one of the most useful assays to evaluate immune response to cancer vaccines (4). However, the IFN-? ELISPOT assay is not an exclusive measure of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity as non-cytotoxic cells can also secrete IFN-?. Additionally, CTL with lytic activity do not always secrete IFN-? (5). A more relevant approach to assess functional activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes would be to measure the secretion of molecules that are associated with lytic activity. One of the major mechanisms of cell-mediated cytotoxicity involves exocytosis of cytoplasmic granules from the effector toward the target cell.

Recent outbreaks of swine influenza and avian influenza, along with the remaining and in some cases expanding threats from HIV, dengue virus, and the viruses causing hepatitis, have reinforced the need for rapid, accurate and cost-effective diagnosis of viral disease. Diagnostic Virology Protocols, Second Edition brings the field fully up-to-date with a focus on protocols involving nucleic acid detection, most often through some form of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expert contributors also delve into the key technology of robotics as well as future prospects, such as further refined point-of-care testing and the increasing importance of mathematical modelling. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief 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, Diagnostic Virology Protocols, Second Edition captures the dramatic changes in the virus diagnostic laboratory in order to better prepare scientists to combat the inevitable threats to public health from future and present infectious diseases.

The lung forms an integral part of the body's immune system and is subject to a range of diseases which are either autoimmune in nature or have clear-cut immunological abnormalities. "Autoimmune Aspects of Lung Disease" provides a concise review of the lung's role in the immune system and a detailed account of both primary and secondary lung diseases which are characterised by immunological perturbation or frank autoimmunity. The volume presents a detailed, up-to-date account of disorders ranging from infection to neoplasia and is written in both an informative and stimulating style by a prestigious group of authors. The chapters are extensively referenced and provide numerous insights into the aetiopathogenesis and clinical features and treatment of immunologically-linked pulmonary disease. The book is intended as both an overview for physicians and scientists with an established interest in diseases of the lung, immunologists seeking to learn more about relevant disorders in the lung and general physicians, whether specialists or in training, seeking to enrich their knowledge of the links between the pulmonary and immune systems.

Provides a detailed survey of new therapies for autoimmune diseases, exploring the rationale for their use and clinical data regarding their potential benefit. The book emphasizes biological interventions based on the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, ranging from altering tolerance to modifying cytokines and changing lymphocyte function.

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.

Morphology.- The Pineal Gland of Mammals: Some Open Morphological Questions.- Demonstration of Nerve Fibers Immunoreactive to met-Enkephalin, leu-Enkephalin, and ss-Endorphin in the Bovine Pineal Gland.- Comparative Studies of VIP-, PHI-, and NPY-Immunoreactive Nerve Fibers in the Pineal Gland of the Sheep.- Biochemistry.- Pharmacological Regulation of Receptor-Mediated Indoleamine Metabolism in the Mammalian Pineal Gland.- Regulation of Melatonin Synthesis and Release: Paracrine Relationships in Mammalian Pineal Gland.- New Aspects Concerning the Regulation of Pineal Indoleamine Metabolism: Implications for Neuroimmunology.- The Use of Perifusion Technique in the Research of Pineal Neuroendocrinology. The Role of Different Neurotransmitters in the Regulation of Pineal Melatonin Secretion.- Interferon-? Modulates Indoleamine Metabolism in Rat Pineal Gland in Organ Culture.- Melatonin Receptors.- High-affinity Melatonin Receptors in Mammals: Localization, G-Protein Coupling and Signal Transduction.- Melatonin Receptors in Discrete Areas of Rat and Hamster Brain: Modulation by Melatonin, Testosterone and the Photoperiod.- Melatonin Binding Sites in the Nervous and Immune Systems.- 2-?125I? Iodomelatonin Binding in Normal and Neoplastic Tissues.- Melatonin in the gastrointestinal tract.- Biochemical Characteristics of Melatonin Receptors in Different Organs and Translation of Hormonal Signal in the Nucleus.- Physiology.- Annual Changes in the Daily Pattern of Melatonin Synthesis and Release.- Integration of Environmental Signals by the Pineal Gland and its Significance for Seasonality in Small Mammals.- Opioid Involvement in Melatonin Action.- Effect of Melatonin on NADH-Oxidoreductase Activity and Cyclic Nucleotide Levels in Rat Adrenals.- Temporal Profile of Superoxide Dismutase Activity in the Pineal Gland and the Liver of Rats.- Pineal-Harderian Gland Interactions: Morphological and Physiological Evidences for an Endocrine Function of the Syrian Hamster Harderian Gland.- Melatonin Enhances GABA-Mediated Effects when Administered by Micropressure Ejection in Single Unit Neuronal Recordings.- Immunology.- Action of Melatonin on Immune System.- Opioids in Immune Cells.- Spleen Morphology and Lymphoproliferative Activity in Short Photoperiod Exposed Hamsters.- Melatonin Reconstitutes the Decreased CFU-S Content in the Bone Marrow of Hypothalamus - Lesioned Mice.- Oncology.- Melatonin Action on Oncogenesis.- The Effects of Melatonin and Melatonin Analogues on the P388, DLD-1 and MCF-7 Tumor Cell Lines.- Is there a Role for the Pineal Gland in Neoplastic Growth?.- Clinical Studies.- Melatonin, Immunity and Cancer in Humans.- Evidence for a Sex-Specific Facilitatory Effect of Melatonin on Prolactin Secretion. Is Pineal-Prolactin Interaction Relevant to the Clinical Course of Breast Cancer?.- Pineal-Interleukin 2 Interactions and their Possible Importance in the Pathogenesis of Immune Dysfunctions in Cancer.- Significance of Melatonin to Chronobiology: Immunological Correlations.- Circadian Profile of Serum Melatonin in Cushing's Syndrome and Acromegaly.- Urinary 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin Excretion in Breast Cancer Patients and Control Subjects.- Interindividuel Differences in the Responses of Serum and Salivary Melatonin to Light.- Contributors.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 102, the latest release in one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology, contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. This latest release includes specific chapters on a variety of topics, most notably, Twenty-five Years of Investigating the Universal Stress Protein: Structure, function and applications, Fungal Genomes and Genotyping, Fungi in deep subsurface environments, Spore germination in pathogenic fungi, Host sensing by pathogenic fungi, Advances in the Microbial Ecology of Biohydrometallurgy, and The mycosphere and turnover of contaminants, amongst others.

T-Helper Cells: Methods and Protocols presents a broad selection of cutting edge protocols that will enable the reader to capture the unique features of TH cells with tools developed for the isolation of TH cells from various tissues and subsequent analysis of their functional properties in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Chapters cover methods of isolating T cells from various tissues in mice, protocols for the analysis of T cell function and phenotype using various cutting edge technologies, methods allowing for the manipulation of T cell function in vitro and in vivo, and in vivo models of diseases in which T cells play a central role in the pathogenesis. 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, T-Helper Cells: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further the study of this amazingly versatile and potent cell type.

This book discusses in detail various serological tests that are used to identify medical conditions and diseases, from a general overview of each test to the equipment and steps needed to carry them out. The book is aimed specifically at immunology students and professionals who may occasionally need to use these tests, and thus lack training and experience in performing them. The book provides a brief overview of the immune system, including antibodies, antigens, and their interactions. The bulk of the book is comprised of 16 chapters that each explain different serological tests. These chapters start with a general introduction of the test or disease being detected, followed by the test principle, reagents required for the test, procedures and steps to perform the test, and, finally, result interpretation. Both test principles and result interpretation segments include illustrations to aid comprehension. In addition, the book also enables the reader to distinguish between positive and negative results in serological testing.

Advances in Immunology, Volume 137, the latest in a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments and comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, with this release including sections on Notch and T-Cell signaling/T-Cell memory, Single Cell Analysis of CD8+ and CD4+ T Cell Differentiation, New Developments in the Chemokine Field, the Role of Caveolin-1 in BCR and TCR Receptors, The Unusual Biochemistry of Bovine Immunoglobulins, and the Molecular Aspects of Allergens and Allergy.

Currently, malaria kills more than 300,000 people per year, making it a top priority of world leaders and international organizations, who are working towards implementing and coordinating efforts to eradicate this disease. An effective malaria vaccine is recognized as the key element that will decide between success and failure in this fight. At present, despite intensive research efforts, such a vaccine is not yet available for use. However, there are a number of advanced candidate vaccines with high chances of success in the short term. Malaria: Immune Response to Infection and Vaccination provides a comprehensive view on the immune response to malaria and to the different vaccines under development. The book offers the following: - Contributions by top research leaders in the field, - Comparisons of the immune responses to both malaria infection and malaria vaccines, which are traditionally treated separately, - Coverage of the immune responses to the different stages of malaria, which are frequently treated as separate fields of research.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge discoveries and the systems approaches related to the multi-disciplinary field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), which may provide the scientific basis for mind-body relationships, and aid in the development of personalized medicine. Specifically, the book focuses on the systems biology studies of complex mechanisms, such as stress and inflammation. There is strong evidence supporting the close relationship between stress, inflammation, and disorders including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, skin diseases, and sleep disorders. As inflammation is a critical connection among different diseases, further elucidating this connection may contribute to the findings of systemic therapeutic targets. Translational medicine is also addressed, by applying PNI approaches in clinical practice. A major challenge in current bioscience is the translation of basic scientific discoveries into better clinical outcomes. With the understanding of the translational implications of PNI, integrative interventions can be applied to modulate stress responses and to promote healthier behaviors. As an important feature of this book, a broad overview of the PNI-associated integrative interventions is provided. These interventions include nutritional supplements, meditation, and other mind-body strategies. From basic concepts to systems methodologies, from theoretical sources to clinical applications, Psychoneuroimmunology contributes to the understanding and development of PNI toward the establishment of personalized and mind-body medicine.

Describes the immunological aspects of blood transfusion medicine, examining the immuno-chemistry of blood group antigens, the immune destruction of cells, correlations between blood groups and disease, and the effect transfusion-induced retroviral infection has on immune response.

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.

In autumn 2002, the Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop sponsored the 45th in its series of conferences devoted to emerging areas in basic and applied biomedical research. These conferences bring together a critical mass of top scientists working in an impor- tant area in an intimate setting that fosters the free exchange of knowledge and ideas. In this spirit, Workshop 45 assembled leaders in the field of chemokines - hemotactic cytokines that coordinate leukocyte trafficking - amid the scenic vineyards and wineries of Napa Valley, to discuss the latest concepts of how these molecules regulate the immune response and disease. Chemokines were se- lected as a conference topic because they have revitalized the study of leukocyte trafficking and are widely considered to be potential new targets for drug development, in diseases ranging from acute in- flammation and autoimmunity to HIV and cancer. Discovered in the 1980s, the chemokine superfamily currently has 43 human members, making it the largest subset of cytokines. Mem- bers are defined by conserved sequences and a common three-di- mensional fold, and can be divided into two major functional groups - homeostatic and inflammatory - depending on whether they are produced constitutively, and thereby control basal lymphocyte traf- ficking, or whether they must be induced, for example by pathogens or injury, and thereby control deployment of effector leukocytes in emergencies.

When I entered the field of allergy in the early 1970s, the standard textbook was a few hundred pages, and the specialty was so compact that texts were often authored entirely by a single individual and were never larger than one volume. Compare this with Allergy Frontiers: Epigenetics, Allergens, and Risk Factors, the present s- volume text with well over 150 contributors from throughout the world. This book captures the explosive growth of our specialty since the single-author textbooks referred to above. The unprecedented format of this work lies in its meticulous attention to detail yet comprehensive scope. For example, great detail is seen in manuscripts dealing with topics such as "Exosomes, naturally occurring minimal antigen presenting units" and "Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), an asthma susceptibility gene." The scope is exemplified by the unique approach to disease entities normally dealt with in a single chapter in most texts. For example, anaphylaxis, a topic usually confined to one chapter in most textbooks, is given five chapters in Allergy Frontiers. This approach allows the text to employ multiple contributors for a single topic, giving the reader the advantage of being introduced to more than one vi- point regarding a single disease.

This book comprehensively reviews various vector-borne diseases and their control methods. It discusses morphology, life history, and pathogenicity of protozoan and helminth parasites. Further, it analyzes host-parasite interactions and their adaptation within the host system for understanding parasitic infections. The book discusses the complex life cycle, biochemical adaptations, and molecular biology of the parasites. It investigates the immunological response to different infectious agents and explores new targets for combined therapeutic approaches. It also summarizes the evolution of parasitism and the ecology of parasites of the different phylum. Lastly, it provides information on vector biology emphasizing the role of basic vector research in developing future disease control methods and improving upon the existing approaches.

The Role of Nutrition in Wound Healing (S.J. Dudrick). Chronic Wounds: Growth Factors and Comprehensive Surgical Care (D.R. Knighton). Wound Healing and Infection (D.E. Fry). The Plug Repair for Recurrent Inguinal Hernias (A.G. Shulman). Open Tensionfree Repair of Primary Inguinal Hernias in Adult Males (A.G. Shulman). Sepsis and Its Related Disorders: Definitions, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology (B.M. Friedman). The Septic Patient: Future Directions (T.J. Gallagher). Prophilaxis and Therapeutic Clinical Trials in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock (G.J. Slotman). Pharmacologic Management of Postoperative Infections (J.D. Sutton). The Resuscitation Game (M.C. McCarthy). Transfusion Guidelines for Elective Surgery: The Transfusion Trigger (R.K. Spence). Physiologic Predictors of Transfusion Need in the Intensive Care Unit (L.D. Nelson). Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation (L.T. Goodnough). Component Therapy (K.F. O'Malley). The Anesthesiologist's Viewpoint: Transfusion, Hemodilution, and Cooperation (L. Stehling). Physicians' Assistants: An Overview (J.F. Byrnes, Jr.). Physicians Assistants: A Costefficient Solution for the Surgical Practice (L.A. Garry, D.L. Priore). Future 2000 for Nurses (Z.R. Wolf). Index.

Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice is an abbreviated, pocket-size, quick-reference guide that provides a point-by-point synopsis of the vast wealth of information contained in CRC Handbook of Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice. All sections and subsections in the Pocket Guide are cross-referenced to corresponding pages in the Handbook. The book works well on its own as a quick reference, but also can be used in conjunction with the larger Handbook for detailed coverage and references to specific information. Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice also includes extensive supplements featuring material not included in the Handbook. These are intended to provide an up-dated, practical source of information useful to anyone involved in molecular diagnostic research and/or service. Supplements are cross-referenced to the main text of the Pocket Guide, that complement and enhance the material covered. Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice will be a handy reference for professionals and students in pathology, biotechnology, biology, and medicine.

This volume addresses the particular problems associated with several classes of biotechnology products, and at the same time demonstrates that the principles are the same as in the development of small new chemical entities. The first chapter addresses FDA regulatory expectations for biotech products. The next several chapters discuss general issues common to each class of biotech drug such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. The balance of the chapters deal with specific biotech drugs that have successfully made it into clinical trials. The reviews are written by renowned experts in their fields.

This book represents a cutting-edge contribution giving an all-around perspective of eco-immunology today. Beside questions of the utmost importance for the whole community of immunologists, e.g, the intrinsic limits of immunological experiments performed at the bench on a limited number of selected models, the book covers several other facets of the eco-immunological approach, including host-parasite interactions, human aging and population immunology. Throughout the book the importance of population dynamics and evolutionary diversification of immune systems is frequently recalled, and makes the reader aware of the basic similarities and differences existing between humans and the models adopted for studying human immune system. The evidenced differences have been recently challenging the reliability of several established animal models and in the book it is discussed for the first time in analytical terms whether mice are reliable models of human inflammatory disorders.

This volume provides a practical guide providing step-by-step protocol to design and develop vaccines for human diseases. Divided into three volumes, Volume 1: Vaccines for Human Diseases guides readers through an introductory section on future challenges for vaccinologists and the immunological mechanism of vaccines. Chapters focus on design of human vaccines for viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases as well as tumor vaccines. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and practical, Vaccine Design: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition, Volume 1: Vaccines for Human Diseases aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers to help further their study in this field.

This book contains the refereed contributions from the 43rd annual meeting of ISOTT. The annual meetings of ISOTT bring together scientists from various fields (medicine, physiology, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, etc.) in a unique international forum. ISOTT conferences are a place where an atmosphere of interaction is created, where many questions are asked after each presentation and lively discussions occur at a high scientific level. This vivid interaction is the main motivation for members to participate and gain new ideas and knowledge in the broad field of oxygen transport to tissue. The proceedings include sessions covered various research topics including Multi-Modal Imaging/Spectroscopy & Instrumentation; Cancer Metabolism; Cellular Hypoxia and Mitochondrial Function; Brain Oxygenation and Function; Other Organ Function and Metabolism; Oxygen Transport in Sports, Diseases and Clinical Care; Acupuncture, Meridians, and Primo Vascular System; EPR, MRS and MRI.