This book explains how the immune system functions, namely, how individual cells of the immune system make the decision to respond or not to respond to foreign microbes and molecules, and how the critical molecules function to trigger the cellular reactions in an all-or-none (quantal) manner. To date, there has not been a complete description of the immune system and its cells and molecules, primarily because most of the information has accumulated only in the last 40 years and our understanding has been expanding rapidly only in the last 20 years. It is now clear that the cells have evolved a way to "count" the number of foreign antigenic molecular "hits," and they only react when a critical number of events have accumulated. Subsequently, control over the reaction is transferred to a systemic lymphocytotrophic hormone system that determines the tempo, magnitude and duration of the immune reaction.

This book explains in detail how the immune system, cells and molecules work for the first time. With this understanding as a basis, the pathogenesis of autoimmunity can now be understood as a mutational usurpation of the genes encoding molecules that participate in a sensitive feedback regulatory control of the immune reaction. By comparison, malignant transformation is understood as a mutational usurpation of the genes encoding the molecules that control the quantal decision to proliferate, so that normal ligand/receptor cell growth control is circumvented. This molecular understanding of the immune system is especially important for the design of successful vaccines, and also explains why vaccines fail.

This volume provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of fibrocytes, written by the main researchers in the field. It is aimed at a broad audience of scientists and clinicians with an interest in the role of circulating fibrocytes in the etiopathogenesis of different fibrosing disorders, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and cancer.

This volume explores the latest advancements in the field of cell cycle checkpoints and their implications for human diseases. Chapters in this book cover topics such as post-translationally modified p53 by western blotting; CHK1 cellular localization by immunofluorescence microscopy; DNA affinity purification; knockdown of target genes by siRNA in vitro; and calreticulin exposure in mitotic catastrophe. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Cell Cycle Checkpoints: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researcher interested in learning more about this developing field.

A food allergen has the ability to first elicit an IgE response, and then, on subsequent exposures, a clinical response to the same or similar protein. How harmless food protein becomes recognized by the mucosal immune system as an allergen remains an open question and more data are needed to explain how regulatory mechanisms of the mucosal immune system fail and result in allergic sensitization to dietary antigens. Some biochemical characteristics associated with food allergens, such as the presence of multiple, linear IgE-binding epitopes and the resistance of the protein to digestion and processing, seem to predominate among food allergens. Digestion susceptibility of food allergens that sensitize via the gastrointestinal tract and stability to food processing conditions are inherently related to protein structural features. Thereby, physiological changes in the digestion process, pathological conditions affecting digestion, as well as procedures and food processing conditions that affect protein structure may all have a profound effect on the sensitizing potential and allergenicity of food proteins. In addition, signals coming from the diet and micro biome can modulate regulatory mechanisms of the mucosal immune system and influence mucosal immunity and intestinal barrier function. The detection of allergenic ingredients in food products has received increased attention from the food industry and legislative and regulatory agencies over recent years. This has resulted in the improvement of applied safety measures that provide protection for food-allergic consumers and development of sensitive and highly specific analytical methods of food allergens detection. Food allergy is an important and common health issue and therefore there is a need to characterize the sensitizing potential of newly introduced proteins in genetically engineered foods. A combination of in vitro and in silico methods provide information that contributes to safety assessment. Suitable in vivo models may provide a more holistic assessment of allergenic potential of novel food proteins.

Expert bench and clinical scientists join forces to concurrently review both the state-of-the-art in tumor immunology and its clinical translation into promising practical treatments. The authors explain in each chapter the scientific basis behind such therapeutic agents as monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, vaccines, and T-cells, and illustrate their clinical manipulation to combat cancer. Additional chapters address statistical analysis-both of clinical trials and assay evaluations-methods for the discovery of antigens, adoptive T cell therapy, and adaptive and innate immunity. The challenges in clinical trial design, the need for biomarkers of response-such as novel imaging techniques and immunologic monitoring-and the new advances and directions in cancer immunotherapy are also fully examined.

This volume details state-of-the- art methods on computer-aided antibody design. Chapters guide readers through information on antibody sequences and structures, modeling antibody structures and dynamics, prediction and optimization of biological and biophysical properties of antibodies, prediction of antibody-antigen interactions, and computer-aided antibody affinity maturation and beyond. 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, Computer-Aided Antibody Design aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge. Chapter 2 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

In 1996, the National Bladder Foundation (NBF) was founded by a dedicated group of physicians and researchers propeIled by the urgent need to find better treatments for bladder disease. Committed to increasing bladder disease research and to supporting its research community, the NBF coordinates and sponsors the International Bladder Symposium (IBS) in Washington, DC. Now considered to be a premier scientific assembly, the IBS brings together international leaders in bladder disease research to present and discuss their findings. It is the only international conference where all areas of bladder disease research are exclusively covered and where bladder disease researchers are provided with a unique opportunity to share their results and theories. IBS participants contributed the research papers included in this publication in 2000 and 2001. AIl substantial areas of bladder disease research are addressed, including oncology and ceIlular biology, neurophysiology, neurogenic bladder and incontinence, immunology, inflammation and infection, muscle, matrix and obstruction, and new frontiers and therapies of the bladder. Assembled in one publication, these papers and their findings demonstrate the high scientific caliber of the dedicated researchers in this field and the potential for significant discoveries in treatment options in the next decade.

Continuing the Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy series, this volume explores the pathophysiology and therapy of rhinitis. The volume is introduced by a chapter describing the normal anatomy and physiology of the nose and sinuses. Against this background the contributing authors describe and discuss the immunological and pathological changes which occur in rhinitis. The various causes and the types of rhinitis - such as allergic, vasomotor, and infectious - are discussed as are the treatments available (pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery). The book concludes with a description of the animal models of rhinitis which are now available. This book will be of interest to bench scientists and clinicians alike.

This book guides the reader through the latest research on the cytokine network, covering signaling pathways, control of the immune response, and potential therapeutics. Different cytokines stimulate diverse responses in various phases of inflammation and immunity, including the innate immune response, the generation of effector T cells, and the development of antibodies by the humoral immune system. It is now clear that the pathophysiology of many infectious, autoimmune, allergic, and malignant diseases can be largely explained by which cytokines are induced and subsequently regulate the cellular responses. In clinical medicine, cytokines are involved in a wide spectrum of diseases. This book describes in three parts the properties and roles of 15 key cytokines under physiological and pathological conditions. Part I presents nine cytokines associated with inflammatory disorders, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the recently identified new helper T (Th) subset: Th17 cells. Part II gives details of three cytokines associated with allergic disorders, including Th2 responses and recently identified types of innate cells. Part III describes three cytokines that are associated with immunological tolerance and anti-inflammation, including regulatory T (Treg) cells, IL-10-producing Treg (Tr1) cells, and inducible IL-35-producing Treg (iTr35) cells. Cytokines are considered to be important as therapeutic targets for specific agonists or antagonists in numerous immune and inflammatory diseases. The ultimate goal of this book is to facilitate the development of therapeutic treatments for such diseases which has been limited by an insufficient understanding of the biology of cytokines and the complicated network that they create.

This book integrates topics in basic research and clinical medicine as well as molecular and cell biology. It presents innovative advances in the field of immunodeficiency syndromes and viral/bacterial respiratory infections, including a novel hyperbaric oxygen treatment for COVID-19. A comprehensive insight is offered into the unresolved molecular pathways in chemosensing that plays a vital role in detecting insufficient tissue oxygenation, as well as in sporting accomplishments. Other articles address cardiorespiratory and humoral responses to hypoxia, the function of cementum in the repair and regeneration of teeth, and periprosthetic fractures following hip arthroplasty in the elderly. The issue of the overwhelming burdens on caregivers to spinal injury patients, damaging both health and psychosocial status, is addressed. The book promotes translation of scientific advances to the general medical practice. It will be a valuable reference for clinical healthcare professionals and researchers interested in innovative practices to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases.

A revised and updated version of the definitive peanut allergy book. Since the second edition of The Peanut Allergy Answer Book was published in 2006, much additional research has been published in the field of peanut allergy and anaphylaxis, including new diagnostic tests and new vaccines and therapies, including oral desensitization and human trials for Chinese herbal medication. New information has emerged on the risk factors for the development of peanut allergy during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in infant diets, which has led to a paradigm shift in how we think about what to eat and what to avoid. National guidelines for the management of food allergies from the National Institutes of Health were published in 2010. In addition, there has been a great increase in public awareness of the societal impact of peanut allergy such as in schools and childcare facilities, in restaurants, and the food industry. This has led to the publication of national guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for school management of food allergies and anaphylaxis, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2011, School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, and legislation for restaurant guidelines for food-allergic consumers. The incidence of peanut allergies has tripled in the past ten years and continues to increase, yet the present management of peanut allergy remains largely preventive through avoidance and education. The Peanut Allergy Answer Book, 3rd Edition, contains more than 50% new material, including new chapters such as "Is Early Avoidance of Peanut Good or Bad?"; "Should the Sibling of a Child with Peanut Allergy Avoid Peanuts?"; "Should I Avoid Eating Peanuts and Other Allergenic Foods while Breastfeeding?"; and "At What Age Should Peanuts and Nuts Be Introduced into the Child's Diet?"

Mathematical Modeling and Immunology An enormous amount of human effort and economic resources has been directed in this century to the fight against cancer. The purpose, of course, has been to find strategies to overcome this hard, challenging and seemingly endless struggle. We can readily imagine that even greater efforts will be required in the next century. The hope is that ultimately humanity will be successful; success will have been achieved when it is possible to activate and control the immune system in its competition against neoplastic cells. Dealing with the above-mentioned problem requires the fullest pos sible cooperation among scientists working in different fields: biology, im munology, medicine, physics and, we believe, mathematics. Certainly, bi ologists and immunologists will make the greatest contribution to the re search. However, it is now increasingly recognized that mathematics and computer science may well able to make major contributions to such prob lems. We cannot expect mathematicians alone to solve fundamental prob lems in immunology and (in particular) cancer research, but valuable sup port, however modest, can be provided by mathematicians to the research aspirations of biologists and immunologists working in this field."

Dipeptidyl Aminopeptidases exert a potent modulatory role at an interface between immune mechanisms, metabolic responses, and neuroendocrine pathways. Experimental models and clinical studies addressing the role of these enzymes and the effect of specific inhibitors pave the way to novel therapeutic concepts in immunology, rheumatology, oncology, reproductive medicine and diabetes. Leading experts in the field will contribute to this book, which will present a state-of-the-art view on these enzymes at a time when our understanding of their function is growing ever more rapidly and therapeutic options have become imminent. The sections of the book will focus on various topics, including DP IV and related enzymes in: expression and function, metabolic disorders, immune mechanisms and immune disorders, neuronal diseases and cancer, and related drug development.

The purpose of this book is to provide information which supports the fact that rat hybridomas are no more difficult to develop than mouse hybridomas. This is the first book devoted to the development of rat hybridomas. It includes theories, step-by-step techniques, ingredients and apparatus. The focus of this work is on the antibody repertoire, the unique biological properties of rat immunoglobulins, the one-step purification procedure by immunoaffinity chromatography, the absence of C-type particles, and the easy production of large amounts of ascitic fluid containing rat MAb. This rare publication is an absolute must for all scientists using MAbs and those interested in the fields of immunology, biotechnology, and biochemistry.

In The Best Guide to Allergy, medical experts answer all your personal concerns and questions about allergy and asthma in easily understood language. Drawing on their extensive experience in treating both children and adults, as well as on the latest research findings, they offer up-to-date, explanations of the causes, care, treatment, remedies, and prevention of these uncomfortable, often debilitating, and sometimes even life-threatening ailments.

Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.

For many years, the immune and central nervous systems were thought to function independently with little or no interaction between the two. This view has und- gone dramatic changes over the past three decades. Indeed, we now know that there exists various feedback loops between the brain and immune systems that impact signi cantly upon different behavioral processes, including normal behavior and mental disorders. Pioneering efforts in generating this change were initiated by a number of early investigators. Included were those whose efforts were directed at establishing neuroimmune connections as well as others whose research focused upon the relationship between immunity, cytokines, and behavior. This book brings together outstanding scientists and clinicians who have made major contributions to the rapidly developing eld investigating the relationship between immunity and behavior. The book is divided into three parts. The rst part describes pathways by which the brain and immune systems communicate and int- act with each other. In the chapter "Cytokines and the Blood-Brain Barrier" p- vides insight into interactions between the blood-brain barrier and cytokines. Such interactions underlie basic communication between the immune system and brain that are present in normal as well as in disease conditions. In the chapter "Neu- chemical and Endocrine Responses to Immune Activation: The Role of Cytokines," the neurochemical and endocrine consequences of immune challenge and cytokine administration on central neurotransmitter activity are discussed.

Now, it its second edition, this book summarizes the role of immune cells in tumor suppression and progression. It describes in detail why tumor cells can survive and spread in spite of the antitumor response of immune cells. Since immunotherapy is an attractive approach to cancer therapy, this book also provides information on the two main strategies: monoclonal antibodies and adaptive T cell immunotherapy, with a focus on recent human clinical trials. A newly added chapter also focuses on the role of Natural Killer cells in tumor progression. The book provides a state-of-the-art, comprehensive overview of immune cells in cancer and is an indispensable resource for researchers and practitioners working or lecturing in the field of cancer research and immunology.

Nanomedicine for Inflammatory Diseases is a cutting-edge resource for clinicians and scientists alike, working at the intersection of development and clinical therapeutics. This text is ideal for graduate level courses in nanomedicine, translational medicine, or inflammatory disease. This book is a progressive hallmark in translational medicine as it unites clinicians treating inflammatory disease with scientists developing experimental nanomedicine therapeutics. The commonality is made through a translational nanomedicine expert - bridging the gap between the laboratory benchtop and the clinical bedside.

Hepatocyte and Kupffer Cell Interactions presents a comprehensive discussion of historical and recent information regarding this diverse field of research. The role of Kupffer cells and hepatoctyes in normal physiology, nonseptic pathological states, and in sepsis is examined. Microanatomy and methods of experimental study are covered as well. In each of the book's chapters, the role of the Kupffer cell and hepatocyte interaction is placed in context with information on particular liver functions or disease states. Hepatocyte and Kupffer Cell Interactions is an essential reference for leukocyte specialists, gastroenterologists, immunologists, and other researchers working in this fascinating field.

Glycoprotein Analysis: A Review of the Biological Significance of Carbohydrates on Glycoproteins and Methods for Their Analysis; R. Dennis The Different FACES of Diseases; J. Klock, C.M. Starr The Glycosyltransferases: Control and Function of Complextype Oligosaccharide Synthesis: Novel Variants of the LAcNAc Pathway; D.H. van den Eijnden, et al. The Regulation of Cell and Tissuespecific Expression of Glycans by Glycosyltransferases; A. Dinter, E.G. Berger Oligosaccharides and Biological Function: Olinked Nacetylglucosamine: The 'YinYang' of Ser/Thr Phosphorylation? G.W. Hart, et al. Heparan Sulphate and Protein Recognition: Binding Specificies and Activation Mechanisms; J.T. Gallagher Glycosylation and Disease: An Introduction to Glycosylation and Rheumatic Disease: What Is the Current State of Play? J.S. Axford, A. Alavi Abnormalities in the Glycosylation of IgG-Its Clinical Utility; D.A. Isenberg Carbohydrates and Therapeutics: Synthesis and Biological Activity of Oligosaccharide Libraries; Y. Ding, et al. In vivo Targeting Function of Nlinked Oligosaccharides; K.G. Rice, et al. 23 additional articles. Index.

This book, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and written by international experts, provides consensus views on the most important issues related to allergic hypersensitivities. The text details predictive testing, diagnosis, epidemiological monitoring of intervention measures, sources of sensitizing agents, and mechanisms of action.
Contributors extensively cover allergic hypersensitivity reactions of the skin and the respiratory system. They present the current knowledge on hypersensitivity reactions of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Major gaps in existing information about allergic hypersensitivities are highlighted and recommendations for future research are given. Practical methods are provided for establishing preventive programs.
Allergic Hypersensitivities Induced by Chemicals offers valuable information to both scientists and public health officials. This is a useful reference for health professionals in their work with allergies, allergens, and allergy sufferers.

Chronic viral hepatitis has emerged as one of the most common causes of disease and death worldwide. Because of their unique modes of replication and intimate association with the host immune system, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose challenging problems to scientists in basic and applied research as well as to clinicians engaged in disease management. Although approved antiviral therapy is available for chronic HBV, the emergence of viral resistance provides a rationale for the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents. The lack of a robust cell culture system for HCV replication and a readily accessible small-animal model of HCV infection have hampered the development of antiviral agents for HCV. Neverthe-less, new antiviral agents targeting HCV are now in preclinical and clinical development.

This monograph, providing an up-to-date overview of the field of Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment, includes contributions from internationally recognized experts in the field of viral hepatitis, and covers the current state of knowledge and practice regarding the molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of chronic HBV and HCV infection. The volume includes salient topics such as: the history and epidemiology of HBV and HCV; recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of viral replication; the host immune response to infection and a discussion of the use (HBV) or potential development (HCV) of vaccines; the current standard of care for chronically-infected patients; and emerging therapies and issues associated with current antiviral treatments. The latest information to researchers and clinicians actively engaged in viral hepatitis research is provided, but also sufficient background and discussion of the literature to benefit the newcomer to the field.

Provides an overview of the effects of environmentally and occupationally important metals on the immune system and host defence. The fist ten chapters in the text focus on particular metals or groups of metals, including arsenic, beryllium, cadmiun, chronium, lead, mercury, nickel and vanadium. Subsequent chapters examine the immunotoxicological effects of trace metals such as indium and platinum and essential metals such as iron, zinc and copper. The main emphasis is on the "in vivo" and "in vitro" effects of these metals on host immune responses in a variety of mammalian species including humans. Each chapter also briefly reviews the history, use, occurance, biology and toxicology of the metals.