Leading experts provide the only comprehensive book examining all aspects of immune response and immune-based treatments for HIV infection. Contributions, divided into three sections, discuss basic mechanisms, immunopathogenesis of HIV infection, and immune-based therapies. Researchers thoroughly review vaccine-including prospects of T cell vaccine-and gene therapy for HIV infection. Additional topics include organization of HIV genes, the role of co-receptors in signaling of lymphocytes, and biological response modifiers. This reference is designed for basic and clinical researchers, internists, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, neuropathologists, oncologists, and rheumatologists.

When the first edition of this book published in 1994, the psychoimmunology of cancer was still emerging as a topic for serious scientific study. Now, less than ten years later, there is a huge quantity of academic literature about the relationships between psychological variables, the immune system and cancer growth, accompanied by a lively popular interest.

In this new edition leading specialists have provided broad critical reviews of the different aspects. Part I, which presents the biological background, will be of particular interest to those with technical knowledge of the relevant laboratory based disciplines. It covers mechanisms mediating the effects of psychological status in the immune system, and anti-cancer mechanisms involving the immune system. Part II is clinically orientated, and accessible to a wide audience. Whether psychotherapeutic interventions can help patients live longer, as well as coping better, is obviously the key question and several contributors consider the clinical evidence for this. A new, speculative chapter on the spiritual context of immunity and cancer has also been added.

The psychoimmunology of cancer involves many complex issues, understanding of which remains far from complete. However, the contributors, besides reviewing the current state of knowledge and the implications for cancer patients, offer predictions for the future and ideas about further research.

From reviews of the first edition:

'The chief quality of this book is its presentation of an excellent but critical overview of the entire range of what is today called 'psychoimmunology', and it is to be recommended to all who are interested in the subject.' Annals of Oncology

Hot Topics in Infection and Immunity II provides a current view from leading experts concerning the hottest topics of concern to clinicians caring for children with infections. The book brings together a collection of manuscripts from a faculty of authors of international standing who contributed to a course in Paediatric Infection and Immunity in Oxford, UK in June 2004.

Physiological, pharmacological and molecular biological data generated over the past three decades have demonstrated the existence of two major families of extracellular receptors, the P1, a family of four G-protein coupled receptors and the P2, a family of at least 12 receptors responsive to purine (ATP, ADP) and pyrimidine (UTP) nucleotides through which adenosine and ATP can function as extracellular messengers. The present two-part volume represents an integrated compendium of invited chapters by leading researchers in the area focusing on advances in the understanding of purinergic and pyrimidinergic signaling systems, their role(s) in tissue function and pathophysiology and advances in developing potential new medications based on the modulation of P1 and P2 receptor signaling processes. The volumes will thus provide the reader with a topical, comprehensive and integrated overview of this important area.

Gastrointestinal diseases present a considerable problem in human medicine in terms of both morbidity and mortality. The aim of this book is to cover the different immunological disorders of the gut with special reference to immunopathological and protective mechanisms. It will be of general interest to clinicians, scientists and students concerned with the gastrointestinal tract. Topics covered include: the current status of research into toxin-secreting pathogens, Campylobacter, Giardia and HIV; the immunological features of idiopathic inflammatory gut diseases such as Crohn's disease and intractable diarrhoea; the genesis of the flat mucosa; the iatrogenic diseases of the gut such as graft-versus-host disease and small bowel allografts; the immune mechanisms and lesions in the gut of patients with parasitic nematode infections (very important in the tropics). Basic background on the immune apparatus in the intestine is also discussed, as are the effects of inflammation on intestinal permeability.

In recent years there have been various discoveries connecting inflammation and lung cancer and clearly there is growing interest in this area of cancer research. The link between unresolved inflammation and cancer has been well established with estimates that 15% of cancer deaths are inflammation-related. Evidence for this link includes the following: a) some inflammatory diseases are associated with increased risk of cancer development; b) inflammatory mediators are present surrounding and within most tumors; c) overexpression of inflammatory cytokines increases cancer development and progression in murine studies; d) inhibition of inflammatory mediators decreases cancer development and progression; and e) the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been found to decrease cancer incidence and delay progression. The volume will present aspects of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME), its many roles in tumor progression and metastasis, including creation of a hypoxic environment, increased angiogenesis and invasion, changes in expression of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and an increase in a stem cell phenotype. The book will also cover the mechanisms of inflammatory mediators. Chronic overexpression of inflammatory mediators in the TME, as seen in smokers and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), can also lead to increased tumor initiation, progression, invasion and metastasis. The volume will provide a comprehensive perspective of the latest findings and summaries of progress made regarding inflammation and its connection to lung cancer.

Recent studies have provided clear evidence on the role of neural-immune interactions in normal brain function and neuropathological conditions. Neuroimmune factors, which play an essential role in neuroinflammatory response, have been implicated in the regulation of neuronal function and plasticity. Thus, neural-immune interactions provide a new frame work for understanding the role of the neuroimmune system in normal brain function, neurodevelopment, and a variety of neurological disorders. These advances have a far reaching impact on many areas of neuroscience, including alcohol research. Studies using human alcoholic brains, gene knockout mice, and gene expression profiling have established a clear link between alcoholism and an altered neuroimmune profile. This book integrates emerging knowledge on neural-immune interactions with key discoveries in alcohol research and provides a comprehensive overview of neural-immune interactions in brain function and behavior associated with alcohol use disorders. While "Neural Immune Interaction in Brain Function and Alcohol Related Disorders" focuses on neural-immune interactions in areas directly related to alcohol use disorders, it is not intended to be all inclusive. Several areas, including sleep disorders, pain, and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways, are not covered as independent chapters but briefly mentioned in the text. The close relevance of these topics to neural-immune interactions and alcohol use disorders warrants future discussion and more research efforts."

Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells which reside in a variety of tissues. They differentiate into several mesodermal lineages, secrete a multitude of trophic factors and contribute to tissue homeostasis. MSCs are able to exert immunosuppressive activities by interfering with inflammatory cytokine production and with T- and B-cell proliferation. These immunomodulating properties make MSCs promising candidates for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. There are, however, certain caveats involved including inappropriate migration of cells in the body, immune rejection, tumor formation, or graft versus host disease (GvHD). This book investigates the current state of the MSC-dependent therapy of chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. Among the covered topics are GvHD, chronic kidney, liver and lung disease, ischemic heart and inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, various rheumatic and neurological disorders and, lastly, tumors and solid organ transplantations. This book also questions the immunoprivileged status of MSCs, discusses the therapeutic role of MSCs in experimental animal disease models and their translation to the corresponding human disorders, envisions a role for MSCs in tumor interventions and, lastly, describes a systems biology approach for stem cells and inflammation.

This monograph concisely but thoroughly introduces the reader to the field of mathematical immunology. The book covers first basic principles of formulating a mathematical model, and an outline on data-driven parameter estimation and model selection. The authors then introduce the modeling of experimental and human infections and provide the reader with helpful exercises. The target audience primarily comprises researchers and graduate students in the field of mathematical biology who wish to be concisely introduced into mathematical immunology.

This volume summarizes recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of HIV-1 latency, in characterizing residual viral reservoirs, and in developing targeted interventions to reduce HIV-1 persistence during antiretroviral therapy. Specific chapters address the molecular mechanisms that govern and regulate HIV-1 transcription and latency; assays and technical approaches to quantify viral reservoirs in humans and animal models; the complex interchange between viral reservoirs and the host immune system; computational strategies to model viral reservoir dynamics; and the development of therapeutic approaches that target viral reservoir cells. With contributions from an interdisciplinary group of investigators that cover a broad spectrum of subjects, from molecular virology to proof-of-principle clinical trials, this book is a valuable resource for basic scientists, translational investigators, infectious-disease physicians, individuals living with HIV/AIDS and the general public.

Comparative Mammalian Immunology: The Evolution and Diversity of the Immune Systems of Mammals provides a review on the current knowledge of mammalian immune systems from a comparative viewpoint. This reference encompasses recent work on the immune systems of marine mammals, bats and marsupials in addition to other lesser-known species, with the immune systems of humans and laboratory mice as components of chapters on primates and rodents respectively. The book also makes use of the most recent studies on the genomic sequences of the mammals to identify both common and unique features of each mammal's immune system. The book elucidates the complex, but coordinated and controlled series of interactions involving cells and molecules that has evolved to protect the host against disease. Mammals consist of a highly diverse group of animals in which the immune system has been subjected to a variety of selective pressures. This is reflected in differences in the organization and function of their immune systems, and is especially seen in those gene families characterized by complexity and polymorphism.

This book explains the pharmacological relationships between the various systems in the human body. It offers a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology concerning the autonomic, central, and peripheral nervous systems. Presenting up-to-date information on chemical mediators and their significance, it highlights the therapeutic aspects of several diseases affecting the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrinal, and hematopoietic systems. The book also includes drug therapy for microbial and neoplastic diseases. It also comprises sections on immunopharmacology, dermatological, and ocular pharmacology providing valuable insights into these emerging and recent topics. Covering the diverse groups of drugs acting on different systems, the book reviews their actions, clinical uses, adverse effects, interactions, and subcellular mechanisms of action. It is divided into 11 parts, subdivided into several chapters that evaluate the basic pharmacological principles that govern the different types of body systems. This book is intended for academicians, researchers, and clinicians in industry and academic institutions in pharmaceutical, pharmacological sciences, pharmacy, medical sciences, physiology, neurosciences, biochemistry, molecular biology and other allied health sciences.

The B7-CD28 family molecules are probably the most intensively studied receptor-ligand systems in the field of immunology. This is evident from the explosive accumulation of literature, particularly in the last ten years. Recent years have witnessed rapid discoveries and characterization of new receptors and ligands in the family. These new pathways, although still in their infancy, have already brought much excitement to the field. However, until now, there has been no single volume to cover this entire area. This book was created to bring together state-of-the-art information and critical thinking from the leading investigators. This book covers significant territory of this rapidly moving field from structural biology and biochemical signalling to immunological functions and their potential applications in the treatment of human diseases. This is an excellent handbook and reference for immunologists, health professionals as well as medical students and graduate students in life science field.

This book is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the research, development, or manufacture of new or existing vaccines. It describes a wide array of analytical and quality control technologies for the diverse vaccine modalities. Topics covered include the application of both classical and modern bio-analytical tools; procedures to assure safety and control of cross contamination; consistent biological transition of vaccines from the research laboratory to manufacturing scale; whole infectious attenuated organisms, such as live-attenuated and inactivated whole-cell bacterial vaccines and antiviral vaccines using attenuated or inactivated viruses; principles of viral inactivation and the application of these principles to vaccine development; recombinant DNA approaches to produce modern prophylactic vaccines; bacterial subunit, polysaccharide and glycoconjugate vaccines; combination vaccines that contain multiple antigens as well as regulatory requirements and the hurdles of licensure.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Methods and Protocols describe a number of genetic, biochemical and immunological techniques. These techniques provide an advancing understanding of the pathology, breakdown of the immune system and therapeutic challenges of SLE in both humans and animal models. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Methods and Protocols appeal to biomedical and clinical scientists in a number of pathology disciplines at the doctoral and post-doctoral level.

This book explores the major cytokines, such as IL-1 and IFN- , with respect to the regulation of their gene expression and protein production in specific immune cell types. It discusses both healthy physiological settings and in pathological situations in which the expression of some cytokines could be dysregulated, resulting in either immunodeficiency or exacerbated inflammatory sequelae in animal models as well as in human patients. Cytokines are important regulators of immune responses that require the highly coordinated participation and communication of multiple cell types. The expression of cytokines by various producer cell types is therefore carefully regulated in response to environmental cues at multiple levels: transcription, translation and posttranslational modification. Presenting cutting-edge advances in our understanding of the regulation of cytokine expression, this book is a valuable resource for anyone involved or interested in immune regulation.

For over 10 years, TMV -based vectors have been used as plant expression tools to examine gene regulation and function, protein processing, pathogen elicitors, to manipulate biosynthetic pathways, and to produce high levels of enzymes, proteins, or peptides of interest in different locations in a plant cell. TMV vectors often exhibit genetic stability of foreign RNA sequences through multiple passages in plant hosts. Foreign coding sequences can be expressed in plants where the stability, intracellular fate and enzymatic or biological activities of the recombinant proteins can be rapidly evaluated and optimized. These properties make viral vectors attracti ve expression vehicles for testing and production of a wide variety of recombinant peptides and proteins, for structural analyses of post-translational modifications and for assessing gene function and metabolic control. Finally, the utility of both CP fusion and dual subgenomic vectors has extended beyond the laboratory and greenhouse to field-scale production and purification of recombinant products for commercial use (Grill, 1992; Grill, 1993; Turpen et at. , 1997). REFERENCES Copeman RJ, Hartman IR and Watterson IC. 1969. Tobacco mosaic virus in inoculated and systemically infected tobacco leaves. Phytopathology 59: 1012-1013. Dawson WO, Beck DL, Knorr DA and Grantham GL. 1986. cDNA cloning of the complete genome of tobacco mosaic virus and production of infectious transcripts. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 83: 1832-1836. Dawson WO and Lehto KM. 1990. Regulation of tobamovirus gene expression. Ad. Virus Res. 38:307-342. Dawson WOo 1992. Tobamovirus-Plant Interactions. Virology 186:359-367.

Virus Variability and Impact on Epidemiology and Control of Diseases E. Kurstak and A. Hossain I. INTRODUCTION An important number of virus infections and their epidemic developments demonstrate that ineffec tiveness of prevention measures is often due to the mutation rate and variability of viruses (Kurstak et al., 1984, 1987). The new human immunodeficiency retroviruses and old influenza viruses are only one among several examples of virus variation that prevent, or make very difficult. the production of reliable vaccines. It could be stated that the most important factor limiting the effectiveness of vaccines against virus infections is apparently virus variation. Not much is, how ever, known about the factors influencing and responsible for the dramatically diverse patterns of virus variability. II. MUTATION RATE AND VARIABILITY OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL VIRUSES Mutation is undoubtedly the primary source of variation, and several reports in the literature suggest that extreme variability of some viruses may be a consequence of an unusually high mutation rate (Holland et al., 1982; Domingo et al., 1985; Smith and Inglis, 1987). The mutation rate of a virus is defined as the probability that during a single replication of the virus genome a particular nucleotide position is altered through substitution, deletion, insertion. or recombination. Different techniques have been utilized to measure virus mutation rates, and these have been noted in the extent of application to different viruses."

Understanding Immunology is a well-established introduction to this complex subject for readers with no previous exposure. It is aimed primarily at undergraduates in biological sciences, biomedical sciences and medicine. The selection and order of topic coverage is designed to instruct effectively, and a variety of boxed examples add depth and historical context for those readers wanting to go beyond the essentials.

The culmination of 30 years of research and experience in T-cell-based cancer, this book highlights and evaluates new treatments that harness the power of the T cell to attack and kill all cancer cells in our bodies. It describes how the T cell immune system can be manipulated and redirected to kill resistant cancer cells by understanding and influencing the interaction of many different immune cells in the body. Citing current experimental trials, it examines the role and pathology of T-cells and suggests additional experimental approaches to the problem.

The ability to remember an antigenic encounter for several decades, even for a life time, is one of the fundamental properties of the immune system. This phenomenon known as "immunological memory," is the foundation upon which the concept if vaccination rests. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which immunological memory is regulated is of paramount importance. Recent advances in immunology, particularly in the field of innate immunity, suggest that the innate immune system plays fundamental roles in influencing immunological memory. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that events that occur early, within hours if not minutes of pathogen or vaccine entry profoundly shape the quantity, quality and duration of immunological memory. The present volume assembles a collection of essays from leading experts that span the entire spectrum research from understanding the molecular mechanisms of innate immune recognition, to dendritic cell function, to the generation and maintenance of antigen-specific B and T-cell responses.

The study of immunology encompasses a vast and ever-growing body of information that in some way or other incorporates most areas of medical biological research. As the body of information in the medical sciences continues to increase its rate of expansion, one of the greatest challenges to investigators will be to integrate this information in a manner that is intellectually fruitful and productive. Considering the intended scope of this text, we could not pretend to have gone too far toward achieving such an integration--and considering the pace of change, in its very best form a measured approximation of such lofty goals might be the most we could hope for. Nevertheless, in these pages we have sought to produce a collection of information that is at once concise and up-to-date regarding areas where important developments are impacting on the way we understand the vertebrate immune system. In addition, although the information is geared toward advanced study, we have discussed some basic elements and concepts that we hope make the text a useful resource for both the immunologist and the nonspecialist. The intention is to provide the researcher, clinician, or advanced undergraduate student with a brief ov- view of specific components of the immune system, and to provide a place from which to begin further detailed study if necessary. To this end, we made every effort to supply extensive referencing--although limitations in space prevented exhaustive or complete referencing in some cases.

Course covers topics in infectious diseases in children and is intended for Pediatric Infectious disease trainees, trainers, and all those who manage children with infections.

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.

Viral Vaccines Joseph L. Melnick As with history in general, the history of vaccines needs to be reexamined and updated. My task is to look back to see what has been successful and to look forward to see what remains to be accomplished in the prevention of viral diseases by vaccines. Also, I shall refer to the pertinent material discussed at two recent conferences of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, on virus vaccines under development and their target populations in the United States (1985b) and in developing countries (1986). These reports, plus a third on Vaccine Supply and Innovation (1985a), should be required reading for all those in both the public and the private sector who have a responsibility or interest in vaccines for the prevention of human disease. It has been through the development and use of vaccines that many viral diseases have been brought under control. The vaccines consist either of infectious living attenu ated viruses or of noninfectious killed viruses or subviral antigens. When we look at the record, it is the live vaccines that have given the great successes in controlling diseases around the world. Examples are smallpox, yellow fever, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella."