This unique book summarizes current knowledge on co-development of infectious diseases and cancer. It provides an overview of the complex and unique role of the immune system, inflammation, tumor-mediated immunosuppression and infection-induced immunomodulation in cancer and infection progression. Chapters are organized into themed parts, beginning with a look at the historical perspective of human tumor viruses, then aspects and examples of infection-related cancers and cancer-associated infections. The work discusses how cancer- and infection-associated immune responses interact in a bi-directorial fashion and how these interactions may evolve during both disease progression and in response to therapy. The phenomenon of independent development of cancer and infection in the same host, known as comorbid cancer-infection progression, is explored. Understanding the complex pathways involved in the progression of infection and cancer will allow the prevention of the development of certain types of cancer, as well as advancing prophylactic anti-cancer vaccines. Readers of this work will discover innovative approaches for multidisciplinary projects, focusing on the design of original therapeutic modalities for cancer therapy. The book will therefore be particularly valuable to scholars interested in cancer immunology and researchers and clinicians in the field of basic and applied immunobiology and microbiology.

Analysis of multidirectional immunological responses at the tumor site allows forming a new concept of The Tumor Immunoenvironment, which is introduced and discussed in the present book with a particular focus on the role of immune cells in controlling the tumor microenvironment at different stages of cancer development. The main goal of this publication is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the complex and unique role of the immune system, tumor-associated inflammation and tumor-mediated immunomodulation in cancer progression in a way that allows understanding the logistics of cellular and molecular interactions in the tumor lesions.

This volume includes contributions from the speakers of the Second IMD Congress (September 10-15, 2007; Moscow, Russia) who were eager to share some of the academic and clinical enthusiasm that defines the IMD meetings. The goal of the International Immune-Mediated Diseases: From Theory to Therapy (IMD) Congress is to bring the world 's best immunologists and clinicians to Moscow.

It covers all aspects of DC generation, function, survival and antitumor activity in the tumor environment both in vivo and in experimental in vitro systems. The goal in focusing on a spectrum of issues related to DC in cancer is to provide an extensive and expansive review rather than a collection of independent analyses from different authors.

Specific topics to be covered include analysis of DC behavior in the tumor microenvironment, including endogenous and exogenous DC, multiple DC populations, molecular pathways responsible for DC dysfunction, tumor-derived factors altering DC polarization and activation, mechanisms of DC alterations, and the role of DC in tumor escape from immune recognition and elimination. Furthermore, additional chapters provide extensive analysis of the consequences of cancer therapy on the DC system and how aging impacts DC function in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, chapters are included examining strengths and pitfalls of current methodologies for generating DC from cancer patients for therapeutic purposes and on the role of tumor-mediated modulation of the DC system in cancer immunotherapy.

The goal of the International Immune-Mediated Diseases: From Theory to Therapy (IMD) Congress is to bring the best world immunologists and clinicians to Moscow to participate in plenary sessions, symposia and educational workshops designed to expose basic and clinical immunologist as well as practicing clinicians to the newest developments in the field. First IMD Congress consisted of 8 Plenary Sessions, 40 Symposia and 25 Workshops. The meeting attracted almost 2000 participants and speakers from 15 countries. After this great success of the First IMD Congress, the Organizing Committee decided to convene the meeting every other year and the Second International IMD Congress was planned for September 2007. This volume includes contributions from the speakers of the Second IMD Congress (September 10-15, 2007; Moscow, Russia) who are eager to share some of the academic and clinical enthusiasm that defines the IMD meetings.

Hundreds of eponyms are used within the field of immunology-Petri dish, Crohn's disease, Bence Jones protein, Kupffer cells, Freund's adjuvant, Ouchterlony immunodiffusion, to name just a few-but most of us don't know much about the individuals who gave their names to these terms. Where were they born and educated, what other accomplishments are they credited with, why has history chosen to remember them, or not? This book presents the first comprehensive collection of immunologic eponyms, and through them tells the story of this fascinating field, from its earliest beginnings to present day. Organized by surname and meticulously cross-referenced and indexed, this book offers historical anecdotes and little-known facts which scientists, clinicians, students, and general readers will find captivating and memorable. A one-of-a-kind introduction to immunology that serves as both a history lesson and current reference on the diseases, treatments, and individuals who have been crucial to this field.

It covers all aspects of DC generation, function, survival and antitumor activity in the tumor environment both in vivo and in experimental in vitro systems. The goal in focusing on a spectrum of issues related to DC in cancer is to provide an extensive and expansive review rather than a collection of independent analyses from different authors.

Specific topics to be covered include analysis of DC behavior in the tumor microenvironment, including endogenous and exogenous DC, multiple DC populations, molecular pathways responsible for DC dysfunction, tumor-derived factors altering DC polarization and activation, mechanisms of DC alterations, and the role of DC in tumor escape from immune recognition and elimination. Furthermore, additional chapters provide extensive analysis of the consequences of cancer therapy on the DC system and how aging impacts DC function in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, chapters are included examining strengths and pitfalls of current methodologies for generating DC from cancer patients for therapeutic purposes and on the role of tumor-mediated modulation of the DC system in cancer immunotherapy.