The immune synapse can be compared to a molecular machine that controls T cell activation when getting in contact with an antigen-presenting cell (APC). The immune synapse is involved in the transfer of information across the T cell-APC junction. It plays an essential role in the control and nature of the immune response. In recent years several approaches have been developed to reprogramming the immune response by targeting molecules involved in the immune synapse. Monoclonal antibodies, such as the ones targeting the lymphocyte co-receptor, co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules (CD3, CD4, CD40L, CTLA4-Ig, ICAM-1), or altered peptide ligands have been shown capable of inducing immune tolerance in transplantation, autoimmunity and allergy. This volume gives an overview on the progress in the field, from basic science to clinical trials, and the major mechanisms involved. It discusses how interfering with T cell activation may lead to immune tolerance, immune modulation and the recruitment of regulatory T cells, the role of monoclonal antibodies in tolerance induction, and mechanisms maintaining dominant tolerance. The book is of interest to clinicians and researchers working in this area.

The volume provides a comprehensive overview of methods that have been developed for the study of Tfh and Tfr biology in mice, and in different human diseases. The chapters detail methods to investigate the function of Tfh cells in vivo and in vitro, including the use of mathematical models to study GC dynamics. 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, T-Follicular Helper Cells: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers to help further their study in this field.

The volume provides a comprehensive overview of methods that have been developed for the study of Tfh and Tfr biology in mice, and in different human diseases. The chapters detail methods to investigate the function of Tfh cells in vivo and in vitro, including the use of mathematical models to study GC dynamics. 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, T-Follicular Helper Cells: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers to help further their study in this field.