lnflammatory reactions are generated in response to extemal and intemal stimuli, such as infection, trauma, clinical insult or dysregulation of the umnune system. The int1ammatory responses may bc antigen-specific or non-specific, local or systemic, chronic or rapid and severe, characterized by a massive release of mediators, often lethal. The aim of this book is to review selectcd aspects associated with the mechanism of the pathology of int1ammatory processes of ditlerent origin and to evaluate therapeutic strategies aimed at combating various inflamma- tory diseases. The introductory article describcs the inmlllnological status of patients with severe sepsis, with particular attention paid to the roJe of circulating neutrophils. Intcgrin activation and chemokine receptor expression and the roles of IL-15, prostaglandins and leukotriens in inflmmnation and immunity are the subjects of next articles. Subsequent reviews are focused on allergic diseases involving mast cells and Th2 type cytokines, in particular the mech- anisms of atopic dennatitis and signaling hy IL-13. The intlmmnatory responscs elicited by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mvcobacferium nviwn are also analyzed with special interest paid to the mechanisms which allow the bacteria to escape the host' s immune reactions. The thcrapeutic potential of IL- I 0 in infection and inflammation and thc possible factors contributing to the devclopment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are rcvicwed in the next articles. The final report demonstrates the advantages of bacteriophage ther- apy in thc context of the aggravating problem of hactcrial resistance to antibi- otics.

The immune system has evolved mechanisms enabli ng it to discriminate between self and non-self constituents. A normally functioning organism is naturally unresponsive to self antigens originating from clonal deletion, aner- gy, or an active suppression of self-reactive T cells. The wide spectrum of autoimmune responses may be divided into systemic and organ-specific dis- eases and encompasses the actions of autoantibodies, autoantigeu-autoanti- body complexes, and sensitized T lymphocytes. The aim of this book is to review the current understandin g, concepts and hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches in autoim- mune disorders. The first six articles are generally concerned with the mech- anisms operating in autoimmune phenomena, whereas the subsequent reviews discuss particular phenomena in representative autoimmune dis- eases. The introductory article underlines the significance of the interactions between antigen-specific T cells and other elements ot the immune system and proposes that not suppression, but rather activation of the immune sys- tem, leading to a redirection of the immune response, would be therapeuti- cally beneficial. The next articles present the importance of costim ulatory signals in determining various types of immune responses, including autoim- munity, and the role of regulatory T cells. Further, an interesting phenome- non of epitope spreading as a mechanism for the progression of autoimmune diseases is presented.

This book gives a detailed yet clear insight into the current state of the art of the therapeutic application of bacteriophages in different conditions. The authors bring in their practical expertise within their respective fields of expertise and provide an excellent overview of the potential and actual use of phage therapy. Topics like economic feasibility compared to traditional antibiotics and also regulatory issues are discussed in far detail. This new volume is therefore a valuable resource for individuals engaged in the medical application of novel phage therapies.

This book gives a detailed yet clear insight into the current state of the art of the therapeutic application of bacteriophages in different conditions. The authors bring in their practical expertise within their respective fields of expertise and provide an excellent overview of the potential and actual use of phage therapy. Topics like economic feasibility compared to traditional antibiotics and also regulatory issues are discussed in far detail. This new volume is therefore a valuable resource for individuals engaged in the medical application of novel phage therapies.

lnflammatory reactions are generated in response to extemal and intemal stimuli, such as infection, trauma, clinical insult or dysregulation of the umnune system. The int1ammatory responses may bc antigen-specific or non-specific, local or systemic, chronic or rapid and severe, characterized by a massive release of mediators, often lethal. The aim of this book is to review selectcd aspects associated with the mechanism of the pathology of int1ammatory processes of ditlerent origin and to evaluate therapeutic strategies aimed at combating various inflamma- tory diseases. The introductory article describcs the inmlllnological status of patients with severe sepsis, with particular attention paid to the roJe of circulating neutrophils. Intcgrin activation and chemokine receptor expression and the roles of IL-15, prostaglandins and leukotriens in inflmmnation and immunity are the subjects of next articles. Subsequent reviews are focused on allergic diseases involving mast cells and Th2 type cytokines, in particular the mech- anisms of atopic dennatitis and signaling hy IL-13. The intlmmnatory responscs elicited by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mvcobacferium nviwn are also analyzed with special interest paid to the mechanisms which allow the bacteria to escape the host' s immune reactions. The thcrapeutic potential of IL- I 0 in infection and inflammation and thc possible factors contributing to the devclopment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are rcvicwed in the next articles. The final report demonstrates the advantages of bacteriophage ther- apy in thc context of the aggravating problem of hactcrial resistance to antibi- otics.

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria; as such, they have many potential uses for promoting health and combating disease. This book covers the many facets of phage-bacterial-human interaction in three sections: the role and impact of phages on natural bacterial communities, the potential to develop phage-based therapeutics and other aspects in which phages can be used to combat disease, including bacterial detection, bacterial epidemiology, the tracing of fecal contamination of water and decontamination of foods.

The immune system has evolved mechanisms enabli ng it to discriminate between self and non-self constituents. A normally functioning organism is naturally unresponsive to self antigens originating from clonal deletion, aner- gy, or an active suppression of self-reactive T cells. The wide spectrum of autoimmune responses may be divided into systemic and organ-specific dis- eases and encompasses the actions of autoantibodies, autoantigeu-autoanti- body complexes, and sensitized T lymphocytes. The aim of this book is to review the current understandin g, concepts and hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches in autoim- mune disorders. The first six articles are generally concerned with the mech- anisms operating in autoimmune phenomena, whereas the subsequent reviews discuss particular phenomena in representative autoimmune dis- eases. The introductory article underlines the significance of the interactions between antigen-specific T cells and other elements ot the immune system and proposes that not suppression, but rather activation of the immune sys- tem, leading to a redirection of the immune response, would be therapeuti- cally beneficial. The next articles present the importance of costim ulatory signals in determining various types of immune responses, including autoim- munity, and the role of regulatory T cells. Further, an interesting phenome- non of epitope spreading as a mechanism for the progression of autoimmune diseases is presented.

The emergence of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics has become a serious threat to public health and is considered one of the greatest challenges for contemporary medicine. Phage therapy - the use of bacteriophages as anti-bacterial agents - may offer an alternative treatment for bacterial infections. Phages have many potential applications in human medicine, as well as in dentistry, veterinary science, agriculture, and food protection. Written by internationally recognized experts from leading centers involved in phage research and phage therapy, this book provides comprehensive coverage of the topic with a focus on current research and emerging applications. The book opens with chapters covering the general characteristics of bacteriophages and the basic concepts of phage therapy. Further topics include: the pharmacology of phage therapy * bacterial resistance * non-bactericidal effects of phages * main applications of bacteriophages in clinical medicine * plant pathosystems * animal production * food protection * biofilm control * regulatory and intellectual property aspects of phage therapy. Although the book focuses on applications of virulent bacteriophages, it also discusses genetically-engineered phages, phages as delivery vehicles for other antimicrobials, as well as phage lysins. It will be an essential reference for anyone interested in phage therapy, antibacterial resistance, antimicrobial development, bacteriophage research, biocontrol, and biodetection.