The present volume focuses on microbial invasion strategies of pathogen uptake. An accompanying volume (Vol. 5) in the series presents the phagocytic process from the viewpiont of the host cell.
This field of study is growing rapidly after a somewhat slow start over recent decades. This collection of invited chapters attempts to reflect current research and brings together cell biologists, microbiologists, and immunologists wiht disthemes, hopefully like a symphony rather than a boring catalogue. It will be evident that editorial bias favors intracellular parasitism and medically important organisms. The neutrophil is far more than a supporting player to the macrophage and some attempt is made to remind the reader of some of its unique skills. To retain a manageable size, the emphasis is on relatively early events such as mutual recognition, cell entry, and response, rather than on longterm changes in gene expression by either host cell or pahtogen. Viruses are excluded not because of lack of importance but because of somewhat different research approaches, although it is becoming increasingly clear that large viruses (e.g. "Vaccinia") and "Listeria monocytogenes," share common strategies in invasion and intercellular spread.

This detailed volume provides an updated overview of current uses of peptide microarray technology, showcasing consolidated applications while highlighting some of the most intriguing novelties and emerging fields of use. The methodologies within this collection are of considerable value for both advanced users and new-comers in the peptide microarray arena, as the renowned contributors describe full coverage of the aspects related to their workflows, from microchip manufacturing to advanced analytical applications. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Peptide Microarrays: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition aims to make the use of peptide microarrays more and more accessible while stimulating further developments to sustain exciting discoveries in the biochemistry and medicine realms.

Until recently, the contribution of immunological knowledge to the under standingand management ofENTdisorders was slight, being largely confined to the appreciation that many rhinitic patients were allergic. Happily, this situation is rapidly changing: the immunological basis of many disorders of the ears, nose and throat is becoming recognized and the mechanisms of the reactions involved are being elucidated. From this, rational therapy should evolve. This book aims to highlight some of the areas in which immunological mechanisms are involved in otorhinolaryngology. It is written by experts in their respective fields of immunology and allergy, otology, rhinology and pathology. It opens with an overview ofthe pathways ofthe immune response and the cells and molecules involved, leading to an appreciation of the normal defence mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract and possible areas offailure. There is then a chapter on HIV infection and how this may present to otorhinolaryngologists. The normal function of the tonsil and the immunological effects oftonsillectomy are then considered. The varying roles of fungi in ENT disorders ranging from commensal through allergen to invasive organisms is assessed by Professor R. J. Hay. Perhaps the most obvious immunological contribution to management thus far lies in the immunocytochemical diagnosis of pathological conditions of the ears, nose and throat and this is covered in a chapter by Professor Leslie Michaels."

Section I: T Cell Receptors and T Cell Activation.- T Cell Receptor Structure and Function: Analysis by Expression of Portions of Isolated Subunits.- The T Cell Antigen Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathway.- Dissection of the Hb(64-76) Determinant Reveals That the T Cell Receptor May Have the Capacity to Differentially Signal.- CD28 Receptor Crosslinking Induces Tyrosine Phosphorylation of PLC?1.- Structure and Function of CD45: A Leukocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase.- Multidrug Resistant Gene 1 Product in Human T Cell Subsets: Role of Protein Kinase C Isoforms and Regulation by Cyclosporin A.- Integrins, T Cells, and Autoimmunity.- The Interleukin-2 Receptor: A Target for Immunotherapy.- Section II: T Cell Development.- Lymphocyte Development in Mice Deficient for MHC Class I Expression.- Generation of Mutant Mice Lacking Surface Expression of CD4 or CD8 Gene Targeting.- Alteration of T Cell Lineage Commitment by Expression of a Hybrid CD8/CD4 Transgene.- Differential Involvement of Protein Tyrosine Kinases p56lck and p59fyn in T Cell Development.- Mechanism of Tolerance Induction.- Section III: B Cell Development, Activation, Proliferation, And Differentiation.- B-Lymphocyte Lineage-Committed, IL-7 and Stroma Cell-Reactive Progenitors and Precursors, and Their Differentiation to B Cells.- Regulatory Cells and Cytokines Involved in Primary B Lymphocyte Production.- The Role of IL-7 and Its Receptor in B-Cell Ontogeny.- Role of Contact and Soluble Factors in the Growth and Differentiation of B Cells by Helper T Cell.- B-Cell Activation Mediated by Interactions with Membranes from Helper T Cells.- The Low Affinity IgE Fc Receptor (CD23) Participates in B Cell Activation.- Section IV: Adhesion Molecules: Structure, Regulation and Functions.- T Cell Adhesion Cascades: General Considerations and Illustration with CD31.- Analyses of VLA-4 Structure and Function.- On the Regulation of ?2 Integrins.- Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Adhesion as an Active, Multi-Step Process: A Combinatorial Mechanism for Specificity and Diversity in Leukocyte Targeting.- Contributors.

This volume explores immune cell receptors that are used in the detection of microbes, either by binding directly to non-self molecules or through indirectly sensing microbe-associated cellular disturbances. The chapters in this book cover methods for studying receptor-ligand interactions at both molecular and cellular levels; methods to create and characterize novel antibody reagents; and methods to characterize the molecular processes that lead to adaptive receptor maturation. This book also contains chapters that look at high-throughput strategies that describe the diversity of immune receptors and cells. 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 authoritative, Immune Receptors: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers interested in learning more about this developing field.

M. BENcovA Slovak Foundation Education in Immunogenetics Kopanice 25, 821 04 Bratislava Slovak Republic Short History of Slovakia After the end of the 5th century, the major part of Central Europe was dominated by Slavs (Slovaks). They had already in the 7th century settle ments in the vicinity of towns Bratislava, Devin, Nitra to create the Slovak's state formation with the name "The Empire of Sam," territory of which corresponded to that of Slovakia of present. The Empire of Sam was also the first state formation in the Central Europe (as present states Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia etc. ) Very important town of this state was Nitra, with the biggest Castle in the Central Europe with his Duke Pribina. The first Church of the Central Europe was built here in the year 830, and it is now considered to be the "Slovak Bethlehem." In the year 880, Nitra also became the first Office of Bishops. Later, the Slovak Duke Pribina and Moravian Duke Mojmir (Moravia corresponded to eastern part of the present Czech Republic) joined their formations to common state "Greate Moravian Empire." The strongest King of the Great Moravian Empire was Svatopluk (864 A. D. ), who spread his empire over Czech Republic, Hungary and part of Poland, Ukraine and eastern Germany of present, which at that time still did not exist as state formations."

Xenotransplantation could have an impact on at least three aspects of medicine. The first is as a means of overcoming a severe shortage of human donor organs for the treatment of organ failure. The second aspect relates to the possibility that a xenogeneic organ would not be susceptible to infection by a "human" virus and thus the xenograft might resist injury caused by such viruses. The third and, as of yet, unexplored aspect relates to a means of delivering genes for therapeutic purposes thus overcoming some of the limitations of "conventional" gene therapy.     

Written by an immunologist, this book traces the concept of immunity from ancient times up to the present day, examining how changing concepts and technologies have affected the course of the science. It shows how the personalities of scientists and even political and social factors influenced both theory and practice in the field. With fascinating stories of scientific disputes and shifting scientific trends, each chapter examines an important facet of this discipline that has been so central to the development of modern biomedicine. With its biographical dictionary of important scientists and its lists of significant discoveries and books, this volume will provide the most complete historical reference in the field.
Written in an elegant style by long-time practicing immunologist
Discusses the changing theories and technologies that guided the field
Tells of the exciting disputes among prominent scientists
Lists all the important discoveries and books in the field
Explains in detail the many Nobel prize-winning contributions of immunologists"

This book provides the description of the granulomatous diseases of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck with their characteristic features, investigations and management. It includes wide variety of infective, idiopathic, neoplastic, hereditary, reactive and various other types of chronic granulomatous reaction in the ear, nose, throat and head neck region. Further, the description is supported with various illustrations including clinical photographs, radiological pictures of CT scan, MRI scan etc. Histopathological and microbiological images which show characteristics and differentiating features are also included to aid in the diagnosis of the diseases. Histopathological colored images with high magnification and immunohistochemistry images are provided for better illustrations. This book also elaborates the important medical and surgical management of the granulomatous diseases. Every chapter ends with the 'Essential features' of that particular granulomatous disease, and this will certainly help the post-grad students and clinicians to differentiate the diseases, early diagnosis and management of the patients with chronic granulomatous diseases.

Corepressors are newly discovered assemblies of proteins that play essential roles in eukaryotic gene regulation. Recent discoveries about corepressors have provided new insights into the molecular basis of gene regulation, and have established surprising connections between the mechanisms of action of a wide variety of transcriptional regulators. The reviews in this volume critically discuss the nature, mechanisms of action, and physiological roles of corepressors in a diverse assortment of biological systems. Both basic and clinical investigators will be able to find relevant information. The comprehensive nature of the compilation, and the breadth of the reviews, are intended to provide the reader with an excellent introduction to the newly emergent and rapidly-growing field of corepressor research. A valuable and detailed reference guide.

This volume is a comprehensive review of the structure/function and biology of molecules belonging to the TGF-[beta] superfamily. Because molecules in this family have very diverse biological roles, the editors have chosen to focus on the parts they play in the specific areas of inflammation and wound/fracture healing. Whilst molecules in the TGF-[beta] superfamily have been extensively studied, there are few, if any, publications which have taken a broad perspective on this family, most having chosen to focus on just one very small area. This book is therefore unusual in that it offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, providing both in-depth and essential background material suitable for both clinicians and scientists alike.

This book includes these topics: A Key Regulator of Postnatal Skeletal Remodeling; Ectodomain Shedding of Receptor Activator of NF-KB Ligand; The Negative Role Of Ids In Osteoclastogenesis; Functional Genetic and Genomic Analysis of Modeled Arthritis; Dexamethsone Suppresses Bone Formation via the Osteoclast; Immunologic Regulation Of Bone Development; Pth Regulates The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche In Bone; Regulation Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells In The Osteoblastic Niche; The Chemokine Cxcl12; and Regulation Of Hsc; and Lymphocyte Development In The Bone Marrow Niche. It also includes these topics: Osteoclast Precursor Cells; Interaction with estrogen receptors as treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis; Novel Signaling Pathways And Therapeutic Targets In Osteoclasts; The Enigmatic Function of TREM-2 in Osteoclastogenesis; Role of cell-matrix interactions in osteoclast differentiation; Positive and negative roles of IL-6, STAT3 and SOCS3 in inflammatory arthritis; Control of Osteoclast activity and bone loss by IKK subunits: new targets for therapy; Targeting Osteoporosis And Rheumatoid Arthritis By Active Vaccination Against Rankl; and RANKL Inhibition: From Mice to Men (and Women).

This book deals with the description of the role of chemokines in immune response and underlines potential targets of therapeutical intervention. It offers a series of international contributions of the most challenging aspects of lymphocyte migration in homeostasis and in disease, and has a special focus on diseases and targets of therapeutical intervention. The book will interest researchers and clinicians from inflammation research.

A follow-up to Emerging Issues and Controversies in Infectious Diseases, this volume provides a comprehensive review of topical issues in infectious diseases, highlighting the controversies related to the newest findings and recommendations. Coverage includes trends and debates in HIV research, community-acquired pneumonia, H. pylori, progress in Hepatitis C treatment paired with the lack of progress on Hepatitis B, and the effects of climate change on infectious disease epidemiology, among others. This is an essential resource for practicing and academic physicians, investigators, residents, and fellows focused on infectious diseases, infection control, public health, and global health.

This detailed volume describes a series of techniques that are essential for evaluating the efficacy of new checkpoint blockade therapies as well as understanding the mechanisms behind the therapies that have already been approved. Beginning with a section on describing the tumor microenvironment and evaluating the immune system at a systemic level, the book continues by covering functional assays that provide answers to questions that may be raised after studying the immune system and its responses to immunotherapies, as well as the use of animal models in this research. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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. Authoritative and practical, Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Methods and Protocols serves to aid researchers in furthering our understanding of checkpoint blockage as well as the study of tumor immunology and the development of new immunotherapies.

This autobiography chronicles the life and career of Haralampos M. Moutsopoulos, an internationally renowned professor of medicine and prolific researcher on Sjoegren's syndrome and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In language that is simple and direct, he takes us on a fascinating journey from the days of his first scientific awakenings at a hospital in his native town of Ioannina, Greece, through his university years in Athens and training in the U.S., to his eventual return to his homeland. In Greece, he developed two centers of excellence in his field, first at the newly founded University of Ioannina Medical School Department of Internal Medicine and, second, at the Athens University Medical School, Department of Pathophysiology, where he taught until his retirement in 2011. Along the way, he introduces us to his teachers and mentors, and to the colleagues and students he mentored in turn, many of whom went on to assume high-ranking positions in Greece and abroad. A major theme throughout the book is his impassioned struggle for excellence, meritocracy, and transparency in universities and in the National Health System in Greece. Peppered with both amusing and unsettling incidents from this lifelong crusade to raise professional standards and against misconduct, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about or entering the medical profession.

These proceedings review and discuss the different aspects of the biology of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and its involvement in the pathogenesis of brain disorders.
The BBB, formed by a complex cellular system of endothelial cells, astroglia, pericytes, perivascular macrophages and a basal membrane, serves as a controlled functional gate to CNS. In vitro and in vivo models have been established to study the cellular and molecular interaction within the BBB and between the BBB and the neural cells.
The structural and functional integrity of the BBB was shown to be dramatically altered during various diseases of the CNS, including neoplasia, ischemia, trauma, inflammation and bacterial and viral infections.
Two approaches to drug delivery across the BBB have been pursued, based on either modulation of the permeability of the barrier or by conjugation of the drug to substrates of the active transport systems of the BBB.

This volume details the most updated concepts and experimental protocols developed by leading researchers in the field. Chapters guide readers through methods on bioinformatics tools, hepatitis c virus(HCV) cloning, culture, and purification, HCV life cycle, host immune responses, and small 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Hepatitis C Virus Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This volume provides a compilation of methods that will aid researchers studying virology, immunology, and vaccinology of this devastating disease of swine. 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 cutting-edge, African Swine Fever Virus: Methods and Protocols aims to be a foundation for future studies and to be a source of inspiration for new investigations in the field.

Several years ago, two of us published a full-length textbook entitled Nutrition and Immunology: Principles and Practice. The book was aca demically successful and well received by our peers. Our colleagues commented that while the book was eminently suitable for a library, there was still an intellectual need for a more concise volume on nutrition and immunology for health care providers and scientists working at the inter face of delivering therapeutic and/or preventive health care. We agreed and decided that a book focused on issues relevant to laboratory workers and to developing countries would be valuable. We invited well-known experts in their fields to contribute a chapter each and asked that they err on the short rather than the long side and update cited review articles rather than original papers wherever possible. The Handbook of Nutrition and Immunity is the culmination of that process. Our intention is that the book will grow over time and new editions will fill identified voids that meet the changing needs of health care providers and scientists interested in the practical aspects related to evaluating nutrition and immunology in the field. The Handbook of Nutrition and Immunity is for those people working in both adult and child nutrition throughout the world. It is also of relevance to those in the pharmaceutical and the food industry who are interested in developing ways to evaluate both the efficacy and effective ness of their products."

The immunology of mucosal surfaces is one of the most exciting and relevant areas of medical veterinary and dental research since it applies basic research to tissues in volved in everyday defence against microbes and against environmental and food antigens. This book is based on the contributions presented at the International Con gress of Mucosal Immunology, held in London in July 1989 and organised by the Mu cosal Immunology Affinity Group of the British Society for Immunology. The meet ing was attended by over 500 delegates from 27 countries, including virtually all of the leading investigators in the field. The contents give comprehensive and up-to date information on such topics as antigen presentation and processing in the gut, mucosal vaccines in man and animals, HIV infection in the gut, the role of yo T cells in the gut epithelium, recent advances in inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac dis ease, the role of cytokines in the regulation of the IgA response, mucosal mast cells and cell migration. The contributions reflect the rapid pace of research in mucosal immunology, and the great strides which are taking place in the understanding of the immunology, molecular biology and biochemistry of host response at mucosal sur faces."

In recent years increased scientific attention has been given to immediate defense mechanisms based on non-clonal recognition of microbial components. These mechanisms constitute the innate immunity arm of the body s defense. Identification of pathogens by these mechanisms involves primarily receptors recognizing sugar moieties of various microorganisms. Innate immunity based mechanisms are essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. They are evolutionarily conserved and designed to provide immediate protection against microbial pathogens to eradicate infection. Activation of innate immunity is crucial for transition to specific immunity and for its orientation, and to assist the specific immune response in the recognition of pathogens and their destruction. Innate immunity is regularly involved in the arrest of bacterial, mycotic, viral and parasitic infections, giving the specific immune response time to become effective. It becomes critically essential in immunocompromised patients who fail to mount specific immune responses due to congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies as a result of chemotherapy, dialysis, immunosuppressive drugs, or HIV infection. The Innate Immunity arsenal constitutes polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocytes, mast cells, the complement system, Natural Killer cells, antimicrobial peptides, and presumably a subset of T lymphocytes with TCRl receptors.

This book provides the latest information on fish lectins from the perspective of inflammation and presents new ideas on the complicated mechanisms of lectin biochemistry and associated interactions. Key features include discussion of mechanisms recently identified to be involving lectin family types, presentation of the latest evidence regarding the molecular approaches in fish lectins, and thorough explanation of the concept of antimicrobial and immunological roles and current understanding of the significance of its disease resistance related studies. Gene expression studies is another important element of the book, and it is proposed that gene editing technology provides gaining attention in the biological role of fish lectin research. Examples of the many lastest molecular approaches, applications and future perspectives in fish lectin specific topics covered in this book include the information right from the basics to the advancements in this area. The book will be a valuable update and resource for both experienced and younger researchers working in the field of lectins and immunology.