Immunology Books

Book SynopsisThis practical pocketbook provides an overview of the role of HPV in the pathophysiology of cervical cancer and its current screening and management, the principles of immune control of HPV infection in cervical cancer, and the challenges of implementing HPV vaccines and future developments.Table of Contents1. The UK cervical screening programme ; 2. Management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) ; 3. Role of HPV in cervical carcinogenesis ; 4. HPV and genital cancer: the essential epidemiology ; 5. The role of HPV testing in cervical screening ; 6. Natural immune control of HPV infection ; 7. Prophylactic HPV vaccines: pre-clinical and proof of principle studies ; 8. Prophylactic HPV vaccination: current status ; 9. Introduction of HPV prophylactic vaccination ; 10. HPV vaccination in the developing world ; 11. Screening post vaccination ; 12. Second-generation HPV prophylactic vaccines ; 13. Therapeutic HPV vaccines ; 14. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisHelper T Cells: Types, Functions and New Research presents current research in the Tfh cell research field with a special focus on the maintenance of TFH cells and their fate once the immune response has resolved. Whereas early steps of Tfh cell generation have been the subject of intense research in recent years, much less is known about signals controlling Tfh cells in late phases of the germinal center reaction and their differentiation into long-term memory cells. The authors also discuss emerging evidence that CD4+ T cells orchestrate antitumor immunity by providing critical immunological help to B cells, facilitating isotype switching and affinity maturation, and CD8+ T cells, promoting effector and memory differentiation, as well as shaping innate immunity and the tumor microenvironment. While preventing autoimmunity, selective CD4+ T-cell tolerance also compromises immunity to malignant cells that express primarily self-antigens by eliminating CD4+ T-cell help for B-cell, CD8+ T-cell, and innate immune responses. Therefore, the authors suggest that the goal of cancer immunotherapeutics should be increasingly focused on overcoming the CD4+ T-cell tolerance barrier to negate the effects of tolerance-driven immune suppression and maximize antitumor responses. Next, data is presented showing that AIT reduces the expression of CD40L glycoprotein on T CD4+ cells from patients with pollen or Hymenoptera venom allergy when were treated with specific immunotherapy compared to patients not subject to treatment. The function of CD4 T lymphocytes in the development of allergy is discussed, along with the recent results obtained about the impact of AIT on CD40L expression on T helper lymphocytes of patients.

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Book SynopsisAutoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is mediated by pathogenic autoantibodies to components of the postsynaptic muscle endplate at the neuromuscular junction. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of the disease, there is a great need for objective biomarkers for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Humoral biomarkers of MG can be divided into two categories: 1) autoantibodies; and 2) other immune-related molecules including inflammatory proteins, microRNA, HLA genes. Regarding autoantibodies, the radio immuno assay (RIA) allows for the detection of IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies directed against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRAb) in 85% of the patients with generalized MG, but only in 50% of those with the ocular form. Treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is very helpful, although immunosuppressive therapy is frequently necessary. Thymoma or thymic hyperplasia can occur, implicating surgery. In AChRAb negative generalized MG patients, a very variable percentage has IgG4 antibodies towards muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSKAb): typically, bulbar weakness is the first symptom often associated with neck and respiratory involvement. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are less effective and induce frequent side effects; first and second line suppressive treatments are commonly required. More rarely, IgG towards low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4Ab), agrin or cortactin are detected: if there are not associated AChRAb or MuSKAb, often patients present with milder forms of MG. Few patients have been demonstrated positive to AChRAb or to other autoantibodies with the more sensitive cell based assay. Finally, titin and ryanodine receptor antibodies can occur in association with AChRAb MG, indicating the possibility of thymoma or, in the context of late-onset myasthenia gravis, severe disease with a need for long-term immunosuppression and no response to thymectomy. In regards to immune-related molecules, two recent studies reported increased serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), cytokines IL-19, IL-20, IL-28A and IL-35, matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP-10), which is a member of the metalloproteinase family, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α), a growth factor that has important roles for epithelial proliferation and differentiation, and the extracellular newly identified receptor for advanced glycation end-products binding protein (EN-RAGE, also known as protein S100-A12), a protein that binds to calcium, zinc and copper. These three last proteins are involved in the cell cycle progression and differentiation, and play multiple roles in immunity response. Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) have been reported to be potential biomarkers in some MG patients; in particular, miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p for AChRAb MG and the let7 family for MuSKAb MG. These miRNA are involved in the development of T- and B-cell autoimmune responses. Some HLA associations have been reported, such as DR3-B8-A1 in early onset AChRAb MG and DR14, DR16 and DQ5 in MuSKAb MG. Characterization of novel humoral biomarkers is a topic of great importance for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of the various subgroups of MG, although it remains a partially fulfilled clinical need. Other serum biomarkers are currently the subject of active research.

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Book SynopsisAutoimmune diseases (ADs) occur when the immune system is mistakenly activated and attacks self antigens present in our body, leading to tissue destruction. Increasing prevalence of ADs is not only a problem for the affected patients but also causes enormous economic burden to the society. Genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors, and interactions between them contribute to the clinical disease outcome. Although most of these diseases are polygenic and multifactorial, and the clinical spectrum differs significantly between the ADs, shared genes and pathogenic pathways attacking specific tissues or organs do exist. Hence, better understanding of the immunological and pathological basis of these diseases will help to design early diagnostic methods, identify new drug targets, optimize treatments to alleviate sufferings of patients, and develop vaccines and methods to control progression of disease manifestations. This book is organized into seven chapters: Detailed description of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Psoriasis (Ps); Antibody mediated disease pathogenesis in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type I diabetes (T1D), antibody glycosylation and its critical role in its effector functions; macrophages in inflammation and its resolution and, the use of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for ADs are discussed in detail.

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Book SynopsisThis book comprises of ten chapters and it describes the origin, history, timeline, production and scope of immunoglobulins which are the central molecules of the immune system around which the field of immunology revolves. This book describes how the immune system responds to injuries and insults by foreign antigens (bacteria, viruses etc) and produces immunoglobulins, which then through various immune response mechanisms protect the body against pathogenic invasions. Further, it discusses how these antigens are involved in the differentiation and maturation of immune cells, how lymph nodes are involved in concentrating the antigens, how immunogenicity of an antigen is affected and how antigenicity of immunogens is related to the immune response. Classification of immunoglobulins and the organisation and expression of immunoglobulin genes is described separately. The antigen antibody interactions and antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity are also discussed in separate chapters. The magic bullets or monoclonal antibodies, which have revolutionized the field of immunology, are described in greater detail, their production by hybridoma technology and the important role played by these antibodies in research, diagnostics and therapeutics is also discussed in the book. Lastly the immunodiagnostic techniques like radioimmunoassay (RIA), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), flowcytometry and their importance in the detection of various kinds of diseases like cancer, HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, etc. are discussed in detail as well in the book. The book contains a large number of flow charts, diagrams, depictions and tables highlighting the properties, characteristic features, functions and roles played by these immunoglobulins in various fields of biosciences.

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Book SynopsisThe book comprises of five chapters and describes the origin, production and scope of cytokines, which are the most important molecules of immune system around which the field of functional immunology revolves. This book describes how the immune system responds to injuries and insults by foreign antigens (bacteria, viruses etc.) and produces cytokines, which then, through various immune response mechanisms, protect the body against pathogenic invasions, how these glycoproteins are involved in the differentiation and maturation of immune cells, how lymph nodes are involved in concentrating the different forms of cytokines, how immunogenicity of a cytokine is affected and how a cytokine is related to the immune response. Various types of cytokines and the organization and expression of cytokine receptors are described separately. The properties, mechanistic function and therapeutic cytokines are also discussed in separate chapters. The characteristics, production and important roles played by different cytokines in research, diagnostics and therapeutics is described separately. Lastly the role of cytokines and chemokine's in infectious diseases and their importance in the detection of various kinds of diseases like cancer, HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria etc. are discussed in detail separately. The book contains a reasonable number of diagrams, flowcharts and tables. Besides this, various interesting and self-explanatory illustrations are incorporated to make the book useful to the students for whom it is written. The question bank, which includes long answer type, short answer type and multiple choice questions with their answers at the very end of each chapter, is developed to get a full grasp of the topic.Table of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Introduction to Cytokines; Cytokines and Their Types; Properties and Functions of Cytokines; Therapeutic Cytokines; Chemokines and Cytokines in Infectious Diseases; About the Editor; About the Authors; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the Th17 cells and their involvement in health processes and a wide specter of disorders related to Th17 cells. The book intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the hot and controversial topics regarding Th17 cells. Th17 cells have been investigated intensively in recent years. These cells play an essential role not only in protective immunity but also contribute to chronic inflammation in many immune-mediated disorders. The role of IL-17 and Th17 in different pathways has changed several paradigms in immunology, especially those related to chronic inflammation. The existing concepts of immunopathologic mechanisms related to Th17 cells in various pathological processes in the organism have been confirmed by many studies. Furthermore, the number of conditions influenced by Th17 cells seems to be increasing. The book covers the role of Th17 cells in human health and pathological processes such as inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy, cancerogenesis, etc. The pathologies related to these lymphocytes are in the field of rheumatology (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, systemic sclerosis), gastroenterology (inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, colorectal cancer, dermatology, allergy, neurology (multiple sclerosis), and respiratory medicine (allergic rhinitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis), in both children and adults. Special attention is paid to the controversial interaction between Th17 cells and T regulatory cells in autoimmunity and inflammation.Table of ContentsDedicationPrefaceTh17 Cells in HealthThe Role of Th17 Cells in Osteoclastogenesis and Rheumatoid ArthritisPhenotypic and Functional Heterogeneity of Th17 Cells in Systemic SclerosisThe Role of Th17 Cells in SpondyloarthritisAllergic Rhinitis, IL-17 and the Concept of a Common Respiratory PathwayTh17 Cells in Childhood AsthmaTh17 Cells and Cystic FibrosisMultiple Sclerosis: Th17 Cells in Immunopathogenesis and TherapyInflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and Adolescents: Th17 Cells and Other PlayersTh17/Tregs Cells in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis during Anti-TNFαTherapyTh17 Cells Involvement in Celiac DiseaseTh17 Cells and Other PathologiesThe Controversial Interaction between Th17 and T Regulatory Cells in AutoimmunityIndex.

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Book SynopsisIgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an increasingly recognized and novel systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by tumefactive lesions with infiltrating IgG4-positive plasma cells. The disease affects virtually every organ system. Immunologically, plasmablasts increase in patients with IgG4-RD in which activation and dysregulation of B cells may be involved. Accurate characterization by a method using various modalities and immunological evaluation including plain radiography, ultrasound, CT, scintigraphy, MRI and flow cytometry should be required. Comprehensively, we review and illustrate the systemic and organ-specific findings of IgG4-RD. This book shows a systematic and organ-specific evaluation of immunological and radiological findings for general practitioners. Moreover, the book is also interesting for the subspecialists including rheumatologists, dermatologists, otologists, respiratory physicians, clinical immunologists and radiologists, and patients and their families because patients with IgG4-RD visits every subspecialist by the tremendous various clinical symptoms and findings. The study in the book included 147 patients with IgG4-RD who visited Saga University Hospital from 1 January 2001 to 31 March 2020. Although the number of patients studied in this monograph was not so large, the patients evaluated and treated by a single institution are considered clinically valuable.Table of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Introduction of IgG4-Related Disease; IgG4-Related Disease in Head and Neck; IgG4-Related Disease in Urinary Tract, IgG4-Related Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and Related Disorders; IgG4-Related Disease in Urinary Tract, IgG4-Related Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and Related Disorders; Cardiovascular Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease; Musculoskeletal Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease; Abdominal Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease; Other Involved Organs and Tissues, Candidate Members of IgG4-RD and Uncommon Manifestations of Each IgG4-RD; Overview of IgG4-Related Diseases by Pictorial Clinical Immunology; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn recent months, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread globally, with the United States now reporting the highest number of cases of any country in the world. Currently, there are few treatment options available to lessen the health impact of the disease and no vaccines or other prophylactic treatments to curb the spread of the virus. Researchers and product developers are testing numerous types of vaccines-both in the laboratory and in some early-stage testing in humans. This book answers frequently asked questions about current efforts related to research and development of vaccines, their regulation, and related policy issues.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a critical appraisal of the data and evidence available in literature of the relative roles of the immune response to neoplastic cells. An attempt has been made to render a better understanding of the various modes of impact of the immune response against tumors in general, particularly gliomas in some of the chapters. Autoimmune response is one mode of reactivity to native component cells within the body. Neoplastic transformation, on the other hand, critically necessitated the absence of an effective immune response to the transformed tumor cells in order for the lesion to grow and metastasize. This book is aimed towards a wider readership, but its particularly for oncologists and the various clinical and academic professionals that care for patients with cancer. It is especially meant to provide a clear exposition of known facts regarding the genesis and further development of neoplasms. Examples of some of the commoner lesions are accounted for.Table of ContentsPreface; Predetermined Interplay of the Projected Malignant Transformation Step as Injury Non-Resolution; Systems of Active Immune Suppression as Integral Malignant Transformation in Infiltrating Glioma Cells; Systems of Failure of Immune Response to Early Carcinogenesis Recharacterize Such Early Carcinogenesis; Mirror Images of Geometric Pre-Setting of the Infiltrating Edges of High-Grade Gliomas; Failed Tumor Immuno-Antigenicity Is Expressed Suppression of an Autoimmunity in Defining Immune Privilege Status of the Lesion; Complex Effectiveness of General Immunity in Modulating the Specific Immune Response in Gliomas; Systems of Malignant Transformation as Integral Immune Nonresponse in Gliomagenesis; Immunodominance as Complex Patterned Interplay of Antigen Quantitation Phenomena in Pressure Immunity; Systems of Unstable Immunodominance of Antigen as Formulas for Central Immunosuppression in Tumor Cell Expansion; Failed Immunosurveillance as Failed Dendritic Cell Antigen PresentationSubstitution of Specific Tumor Antigenicity by Differentiation Associated Antigenicity; Projected Receptivity of Integral Gliomas to Malignant Transformation as Modeled by Dysfunctional Immunomodulation; Tumor Cell Identity as Projected by Immunotoxins within Heterogeneity and Hierarchical Systems of Progression; Dimensions of Reproducible Malignant Transformation as Brain Infiltration by Glioma; Infiltrativeness Attributes Project Schemes of Etiology and Pathogenesis in Sequential Malignant Transformations in Given Individual; Progressively Persistent Tumor Cell Growth and Recurrence and Spread as Interplay Dynamics between Individual Neoplastic Cells; Non-Response of the Immune System as Active Participant in Glioma Cell Genesis, Proliferation, and Spread in Normal Brain Tissues; Pathways of Non-Resolution in Targeting Tumor Cells by the Immune Response; Tumor Cell Antigenicity as Performance Hierarchy of Equilibrating Interactivity of Systems of Receptivity and Activation of Lymphocyte Subsets; Systems of Primary Regional Reformation in Tumor Origin and Mechanics: Regional versus Field Operability; Formulation of an Integral Antitumor Immune Response; Systems of Weak Immunogenicity as Originators of Early Spread and of Incremental Tumor Cell Growth and Proliferation; Index.

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Book SynopsisImmunology is the study of the body''s protection from foreign macromolecules or invading organisms and the responses to them. These invaders include viruses, bacteria, protozoa or even larger parasites. In addition, immune responses are developed against our own proteins (and other molecules) in auto-immunity and against our own aberrant cells in tumour immunity. The first line of defence against foreign organisms are barrier tissues such as the skin that stop the entry of organism into our bodies. A second line of defence is the specific or adaptive immune system which may take days to respond to a primary invasion (that is infection by an organism that has not hitherto been seen). This book brings together new research from around the globe dealing with this extremely important subject.

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Book SynopsisImmunology is the study of the body''s protection from foreign macromolecules or invading organisms and the responses to them. These invaders include viruses, bacteria, protozoa or even larger parasites. In addition, immune responses are developed against our own proteins (and other molecules) in auto-immunity and against our own aberrant cells in tumour immunity. The first line of defence against foreign organisms are barrier tissues such as the skin that stop the entry of organism into our bodies. A second line of defence is the specific or adaptive immune system which may take days to respond to a primary invasion (that is infection by an organism that has not hitherto been seen). This book brings together new research from around the globe dealing with this extremely important subject.

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Book SynopsisNeuroimmunology is a rapidly-growing branch of biomedical science that studies of all aspects of the interactions between the immune system and nervous system. It deals with, among other things, the physiological functioning of the neuroimmune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the neuroimmune system in disorders (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency), the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the neuroimmune system in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. Despite the brain''s status as an immune privileged site, an extensive bi-directional communication takes place between the nervous and the immune system in both health and disease. Immune cells and neuroimmune molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors modulate brain function through multiple signalling pathways throughout the lifespan. Immunological, physiological and psychological stressors engage cytokines and other immune molecules as mediators of interactions with neuroendocrine, neuropeptide, and neurotransmitter systems. For example, brain cytokine levels increase following stress exposure, while treatments designed to alleviate stress reverse this effect. This book presents leading research from around the globe.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years, transplantation immunology has evolved as a distinct field founded on the recognition that rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue is mediated by immune mechanisms in the host responding to antigens in the donor tissue. Included within the scope are T cell immunity; Antigen presentation; Alloreactivity; Pancreas and islet cell transplantation; Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation Models of tolerance induction; Xenotransplantation and The swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) complex. This book gathers the latest research in the exciting new field of transplantation immunology.

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Book SynopsisThis new book is devoted to leading-edge research developments in lupus which is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body''s tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex system within the body that is designed to fight infectious agents, for example, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. One of the mechanisms that the immune system uses to fight infections is the production of antibodies. Patients with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious agents. Because the antibodies and accompanying cells of inflammation can involve tissues anywhere in the body, lupus has the potential to affect a variety of areas of the body. Sometimes lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and/or nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

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Book SynopsisImmunosuppression involves an act that reduces the activation or efficacy of the immune system. Some portions of the immune system itself have immuno-suppressive effects on other parts of the immune system, and immunosuppression may occur as an adverse reaction to treatment of other conditions. Deliberately induced immunosuppression is generally done to prevent the body from rejecting an organ transplant, treating graft-versus-host disease after a bone marrow transplant, or for the treatment of auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn''s disease. This is typically done using drugs, but may involve surgery (splenectomy), plasmapharesis, or radiation. A person who is undergoing immunosuppression, or whose immune system is weak for other reasons (for example, chemotherapy and HIV patients) is said to be immunocompromised. When an organ is transplanted, the immune system of the recipient will most likely recognise it as foreign tissue and attack it. The destruction of the organ will, if untreated, end in the death of the recipient. In the past, radiation therapy was used to decrease the strength of the immune system, but now immunosuppressant drugs are used to inhibit the reaction of the immune system. The downside is that with such a deactivated immune system, the body is very vulnerable to opportunistic infections, even those usually considered harmless. Also, prolonged use of immunosuppressants increases the risk of cancer. This book presents the latest research in the field.

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Book SynopsisIn immunology, an adjuvant refers to any agent that stimulates the immune system and thus, increases the response to a vaccine. Optimal conditions for effective processing of the antigen are provided by the appropriate adjuvants. This book discusses the role of such immunologic adjuvants in diseases such as cancer, their clinical use and their potential future applications. Cancer is often associated with an increasingly impaired immune response against a tumour. Escape mechanisms of the tumour affect the ability of the immune system to build up an effective response against the growing tumour. The roles of such adjuvants in cancer vaccinations are described. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are part of the innate immune system. They are considered as major targets for the development of agonists that could serve as adjuvants and agents of immunotherapy. The development of TLR agonists for clinical use are discussed as well. CpG-ODN (oligodeoxynucleotide) is described as well as how it could be effective as an adjuvant for humoral and cellular immunities. Additionally, a transcutaneous vaccination as an effective approach for the development of tumour vaccines is explained. The development of effective vaccines for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV represents one of the most important scientific public health challenges of our time. Novel concepts in malaria proteins are examined as well as recent advances in the design of synthetic vaccine candidates and antigen delivery systems based on immuno-potentiating reconstituted influenza virosomes. The majority of vaccines presently under investigation represents highly pure recombinant proteins or subunits of pathogens and hence lacks most of the features of the original pathogens. Thus, the development of safe and potent immunologic adjuvants that can enhance and direct vaccine-specific immunity is urgently needed. Aluminium hydroxide (alum) is currently the only vaccine adjuvant approved for human use world-wide. Thus, recent developments in immunology are examined as well as Toll-like receptors and other innate immune receptors. Finally, interleukin-6 plays a crucial role in CFA-augmented immune reactions. Studies that shed light on the involvement of interleukin-6 in the augmentation of immune response by immunologic adjuvants are thus explained.

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Book SynopsisChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterised by extreme fatigue that doesn''t improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. Chronic fatigue syndrome may occur after an infection, such as a cold or viral illness. The onset can also be during or shortly after a time of great stress, or it may come on gradually without a clear starting point or obvious cause. This book discusses new research in CFS, including the effects that CFS may have on immune system responses. The possible implications and prevention of CFS are also explored.

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Book SynopsisThere is a large and rapidly growing body of literature on the immunology in clinic practice. In this book, the authors have made an effort to brief descriptions of recent immunological developments in clinic practice. This book is not a textbook. All the chapters in the book are independent of each other; each is dedicated to a different clinic. To meet the needs of different readers, all chapters have a similar structure. Though the field of immunology has a wide range of research, we have tried to include the important developments in the book with examples and recent references. References are provided at the end of each chapter.

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Book SynopsisDNA vaccination is one of the most promising techniques for immunisation against diseases caused by viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and even for tumours and illnesses with genetic origins. These vaccines can be administered by direct inoculation of plasmid by several routes. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the types, advantages and limitations of DNA vaccines. Topics discussed include the role of novel carrier constructs in effective and safe DNA vaccine delivery; improving the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines; the role of DNA-IL-12 vaccination in cosinphilic inflammation; genetic immunisation enabling re-direction of the host immune system resulting in the development of effective immune responses; and DNA vaccination against herpesvirus.

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Book SynopsisMultiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system which leads to neuronal demyelination. As the disease progresses, oligodendrocytes and axons are destroyed, resulting in sclerotic plaques or lesion formation. Although treatment is available which can alleviate some of the symptoms, no cure is available. This book presents current research in the study of the causes, diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. Topics discussed include the reactivity profile of B cells and autoantibodies in MS; the role of fatty acids in neurodegenerative diseases; the possible mechanisms that the Epstein-Barr virus is exploiting to trigger MS and immunoglobulin free light chains in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

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Book SynopsisImmunotherapy is a medical term defined as "treatment of disease by inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response". Immunotherapies are designed to elicit or amplify an immune response and are classified as activation immunotherapies. Immunotherapies designed to reduce, suppress or more appropriately direct an existing immune response, as in cases of autoimmunity or allergy, are classified as suppression immunotherapies. This book presents topical data on immunotherapies including: antifungal immunotherapy; active and specific immunotherapeutical strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer; allergen immunotherapy; dendritic cell/tumour fusion cell vaccine in cancer therapy; CRLA-4 inhibition in malignant melanoma; and others.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains material relevant for students and researchers interested in the basic science of infectious diseases. The material in this book is organised into three major sections. The first describes the structures of various pathogenic microbes. The emphasis in this section is on the surface structures as they mediate the critical step of adsorption of pathogens to their target host cells. There is also a subsection on protein secretion in bacteria. The second section reviews the basics of innate immunity as these are the first line of immune defence and are important to understand the immunological response and its consequences on the health status and physiological balance in the host. The third section provides a description of a number of infectious diseases, particularly those of the respiratory system and prion-related infections.

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Book SynopsisRegulatory T cells (sometimes known as suppresser T cells) are a specialised sub-population of T cells that act to suppress activation of the immune system and thereby maintain immune system homeostasis and tolerance to self-antigens. This book presents topical research in the study of regulatory T cells, including the role of regulatory T cells in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; genetic engineering of antigen-specific regulatory T cells; regulatory T cells in arthritis, allergic disorders and immunomodulation; and the roles of immunoregulatory cells and the mechanisms of immune response.

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Book SynopsisInfections that were once treatable have become more difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives, but antibiotic use in food animals contributes to the emergence of resistant bacteria that may affect humans. The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) are primarily responsible for ensuring food safety. This book presents the risk assessment and monitoring efforts of antibiotic resistance.

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Book SynopsisVaccines play an essential role in keeping humans and animals healthy. The vaccine has been one of the most important interventions designed to both prevent and to treat diseases, strengthening and improving the weakened immune system. In this book, the authors discuss veterinary sector vaccines and how they may be applied to improve human vaccines; immunisation recommendations for healthcare workers; a new vaccination method for exogenous and endogenous antigen initiated disorders; the impact of vaccination on disease prevention and control; and T-Cell vaccination for multiple sclerosis.

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Book SynopsisLooking back over the course of the three-plus decades of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, scholars and researchers have made many significant strides in understanding and responding to HIV and AIDS. From the inception of the HIV/AIDS epidemic during the early 1980s until the mid-1990s, when highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was introduced as an innovative and highly-effective way of controlling HIV and HIV-related diseases, the "average" person diagnosed as being HIV-positive could expect to live for several months and if lucky, for a few years. Today, with the medical advances that have been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, people who have contracted HIV usually can expect to live relatively healthy lives, in most instances for many years without experiencing any serious complications of HIV disease. This book focuses on the social science aspects of current HIV research.

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Book SynopsisAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides which exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and often activity against virus. In addition, AMPs exert several functions including endotoxin neutralization, chemotactic and immunomodulating activities, angiogenesis, and wound repair. In this book, the authors discuss the innate immune system and lipopolysaccharides; the biological role of fish antimicrobial peptides; casein-derived peptides; antimicrobial peptides in intestinal inflammation and infection; insect antimicrobial peptides in immunity and mechanisms of action; potential of AMPs as therapeutic tools against infectious disease; and how LC-MS/MS-based quantitative protein profiling can aid mechanistic studies of antimicrobial peptides.

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Book SynopsisAuto-immune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren''s syndrome, psoriasis, scleroderma (SSc) and myositis are heterogeneous disorders that result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Type I interferons (IFNs), especially IFN-α/β, have multiple biological functions including anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, immuno-modulation, anti-proliferation, and intensive studies over decades have also revealed important roles in auto-immunity and cancer. Sustained Type I IFN elevation has been implicated in immune responses against self-antigens and tissue damage, which has led to the hypothesis that type I IFN might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of some auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. This book provides an overview of many key topics surrounding type I IFNs, beginning with detailed discussion of the type I IFN signalling pathway, the interplay between components that regulate this pathway, its involvement in auto-immunity, and a detailed review of the roles of type I IFNs in a series of well characterised inflammatory and auto-immune diseases.

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Book SynopsisThe primary focus of this book is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in inflammation, especially in molecular biological and clinical aspects. Chapters contained in this book are written by invited authors from all over the world, who are well-known experts in their respective fields. In the book, chapters discussed include the molecular basis of inflammatory mechanisms, the functional roles of inflammation in diseases and new treatments of anti-inflammation. This book will be useful to all who wish to understand the scientific basis of inflammatory disease.

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Book SynopsisRegulatory T cells (Tregs) are a vital component of the T cell immune system by their ability to control T cell responses that would lead to autoimmune disease. Tregs also protect damaged normal cells that are healing from T cells programmed to kill any abnormal cells in the body. Cancer (tumor) develops from normal cells and can express normal self-antigens. Tregs protect precancerous cells as if they were healing damaged cells and inhibit the anti-tumor T cell response by the use of advanced effector mechanisms, which stop the T cell immune system from effectively removing the tumor. The function of cells involved in this process is controlled by the cell membrane activation of intracellular translational pathways interacting with the nucleus that produces transcriptional proteins, which control cellular behavior such as secretion of lymphokines or cell proliferation. This book examines the function and related translational pathways of Tregs, anti-tumor T cells, and cancer cells. It relates that information to the treatment of cancer by examining human clinical trials of new immune cell-based treatments (immunotherapy). The book also proposes ways to improve those treatments by manipulating the translational pathways of immunotherapeutic cells. The hope is that these new treatment proposals stimulate positive thought about the future of cancer immunotherapy.

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Book SynopsisSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the prototypical systemic autoimmune diseases characterised by inflammation, immune complex deposition, and vasculitis. Patients with SLE show various symptoms and clinical images, both constitutional and specific organ symptoms. They include the skin, joints, muscles, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and blood vessels. Although the aetiology of the disease is still unclear, genetic, hormonal, immunologic abnormalities and environmental factors complicatedly play important roles in the pathophysiology in SLE. It is evident that multiple genes show genetic susceptibility to SLE. Environmental factors of SLE and immunologic abnormalities, especially the production of a number of auto-antibody, are important features of the disease. In this book, we present recent knowledge about the prevalence, pathophysiology and prognosis of SLE. The book includes various interesting chapters: Chapter One: An illustrated overview of the prevalence and clinical symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus; Chapter Two: Pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus; Chapter Three: MBL and MBL genotypes in SLE; Chapter Four: Novel biological activities of autoantibodies as the potential markers of systematic lupus erythematosus; Chapter Five: Cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus (sle) with clinical aspects and prognostics; Chapter Six: Prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus; Chapter Seven: Auto-antibody-producing RP105-negative B cells in humans and a murine model of lupus erythematosus.

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Book SynopsisThis novel was written to focus on some relevant aspects of a disease from the patients'' perspective but also to show the caregivers'' perspective. It is about celiac disease for two reasons. First, celiac disease is an emerging disease, so frequent to be considered a social epidemic'' and it involves several levels of intervention, beside the medical one. Secondly, the writers know well celiac disease because of many years of work with celiac patients. The story is about a common case of celiac disease, not a real one but a representative one: a young woman, her symptoms that worsen and allow the diagnosis. Celiac disease is not a rare disease and one must think of it. Every action intended to improve the awareness of celiac disease will increase the diagnosis rate but also ease the burden of a special'' life. A diagnosis of celiac disease gives a great opportunity to improve one''s people life, both because of better health and better quality of life. The aim of this novel is to offer a simple tool to increase the knowledge of celiac disease in people but also to ''humanise'' as much as possible what is for someone an extraordinary event.

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Book SynopsisThe authors reviewed a wide number of microbiological and medical papers outlining the profile of different probiotic strains in the immunemodulating activity related to major and minor clinical impairment of soluble and cell-mediated immunity. Starting from in vitro and experimental animal studies, a good number of clinical trials are reported, enclosing an update of the side effects of the probiotic long-term administration. Conclusively, the biological therapies are currently oriented to direct delivery of cytokines and molecules involved in the immune process enhancement. Using probiotics to sustain the immune response and to rescue the suppressed immunity is still a very modern approach, being also cheap and practical. This review thus highlights the rationale for this probiotic therapeutic indication which is largely safe and reliable.

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Book SynopsisThis book is intended as a guide for the diagnosis and management of children with celiac disease. It is an excellent learning resource suitable for students and health care providers in the fields of pediatrics, pediatric gastroenterology and pediatric endocrinology. Celiac disease is discussed in detail; gluten allergy and the so-called non-celiac gluten sensitivity are also briefly described. Besides the clinical aspects of the disease, the reader will find suggestions for the correct diagnosis and follow-up of short stature and other celiac related endocrine conditions. This book provides a thorough and critical update on the current knowledge on this unique autoimmune disease.

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Book SynopsisSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a fairly common disease with a relatively high mortality rate that is characterized by multisystemic disorders, including the kidney. Recently, epidemiologic studies also show that the incidence of new SLE cases is increasing. Renal involvement is very common in systemic lupus erythematosus, occurring in up to 2/3 of patients and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Lupus nephritis affects glomeruli, tubules, interstitium peritubular capillaries, arteries, and veins with a spectrum of lesion. Although tubular, interstitial, and vascular lesions are common in lupus nephritis and may contribute significantly to overall disease severity, activity, and chronicity, they are not considered in most important classifications (OMS and ISN/RPS). These classifications are based entirely on the evaluation of glomerular alterations. Furthermore, the increasingly recognized, new pathological entity called lupus podocitopathy in the context of SLE, is not also accepted in the above classifications. Amyloidosis, non-lupus nephritides (including IgA nephropathy), therapeutic nephrotoxicity, and lupus in overlap with other connective tissue diseases are occasionally described. Therefore, this new case-based book fills a gap in the literature, and the authors call attention to some clinical entities which are less known and more difficult to recognize. The book design allows correlating morphologic aspects with clinical findings, and determines the prognosis and therapeutic response. It is a useful resource for pathologists, nephrologists, rheumatologist, physicians, and lupus and kidney students. Each case consists of typical histology images, a brief history, diagnosis, discussion, and pearls and pitfalls. The book is based on a multicenter experience, and the importance of kidney biopsy in the differential diagnosis is emphasised.

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Book SynopsisBehçet''s disease is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of unknown etiology involving multiple organs. Along with blindness, other bodily functions are greatly affected by this disease; conditions of the vascular, intestinal and central nervous systems are usually life threatening and require aggressive therapy. Recently, significant progress has been made in several areas of this disease. The introduction of biological agents (such as anti-TNF) have had a positive impact on the effectiveness of treatments. However, there are still a number of unmet needs in various fields of this disease. Despite this, there remains a number of unaddressed issues concerning the treatments of this disease. Several genes have been shown to be associated with this disease, in addition to HLA-B51. Abnormalities in several subsets of T helper cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Behçet''s disease. Recent advances in the field of innate immunity have shed light on the new aspects of Behçet''s disease; that is, this disease has both autoimmunity and autoinflammatory aspects. On the other hand, there are still controversies as to the diagnosis and treatment of recalcitrant manifestations of the disease. This publication highlights the most recent understanding of Behçet''s disease and raises several unanswered questions in both basic to clinical treatment of this ailment. The contents of this book are primarily based on the most up-to-date results of research programs sponsored by the Japanese government as well as findings from Korean researchers. In particular, novel classification for neurological involvement (which has been discovered in Japan) led to the establishment of diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendation. Thus, this publication brings forth useful information for a variety of specialists who are involved in the management of this intractable disease.

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Book SynopsisFood allergies have a considerable impact on modern society. Some of the most severe allergic reactions occur when peanuts and peanut derivatives are consumed. The main causative agents of a peanut allergy are proteins. The total protein content of a peanut is represented by thirty-two different proteins, of which about eighteen (nearly 7-10%) have been identified as capable of binding specific IgE, and so can be considered allergenic. Comprised of six chapters, this book comprehensively covers all topics of peanut allergy. A unique, concise and up-to-date resource, it offers readers an innovative and valuable presentation of the subject. It has been carefully prepared to present the concepts with the help of diagrams and tables. Each chapter is presented in a simple and systematic way to provide a thorough understanding of the core aspects of peanut allergy and the components of peanuts which cause allergic reactions. The basic concepts of clinical aspects, peanut allergens properties, cross reactivity and stability of peanut allergens and the legislation to protect sensitive people are clearly explained. Recent discoveries of peanut allergens are highlighted. From the description of the first peanut allergen called Ara h1 in 1991, so far there have been about thirteen proteins with allergenic action described. Theallergenic proteins in a peanut, named Ara h1 Ara h17 and agglutinin have been identified, largely characterised and accepted by the Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). Some of these allergens have established structural features, biochemical and physicochemical properties and their biosynthesis genes encoded. Being proteins, peanut allergens can suffer some modifications during food processing and digestion (acylation, polymerisation, nitration, Maillard reaction etc.), and interactions within complex food matrices (both natural and fabricated structures). These modifications can reduce or increase their allergenic properties and are influenced by the food matrix. Peanut allergens have different cross-reactions with other allergens such as, for example, those of soybean, peas, lima beans, green beans, chickpeas, lentils or other beans. Methods commonly used to detect and quantify peanut allergens are mainly immunochemical and molecular methods. However, methods have been developed based on HPLC techniques coupled both with and without mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, circular dichroism, FTIR or NMR. Peanut allergy is high and there is currently no treatment for it. There is a lethal risk associated with peanut allergy, and in order to protect public health, the regulatory bodies worldwide will issue legislation concerning a requirement to clearly have a warning label of the possible presence of food allergens. The last chapter contains some of the most used preventive actions and elaborated legislation in different countries.

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Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to provide updated information to scientists and clinicians that is valuable in their quest to gather information, carry out new investigations, and develop novel drugs that are more effective and do not cause adverse effects targeting the innate immune system. This book is of high priority to people interested in an update on innate immunity. Volume 1 examines the participation of innate immunity in diseases such as infections by viruses, cancer, or parasites. Specifically, this volume discusses innate immunity as it relates to chronic HIV infection, type 2 diabetes, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as its relationship with vitamin D. The dual role of neutrophils in cancer development and the plasticity of natural killer cells are investigated. Also, the immune response to infections from helminth and Toxoplasma gondii are described. The Innate Immune System in Health and Disease: From the Lab Bench Work to its Clinical Implications. Volume 1 promises to be a must-have book for all people who want to know about the role of the basic functioning of the innate immune system in several diseases of actual relevance to human health.

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Book SynopsisThe aim of this book, The Innate Immune System in Health and Disease: From the Lab Bench Work to Its Clinical Implications. Volume 2, is to provide updated information to scientists and clinicians that is valuable in their quest to gather information, carry out new investigations, or to check on clinical implications of the innate immune system function during disease. This book is of high priority to people interested in an update on innate immunity. Volume 2 examines topics such as the participation of the innate immune system in homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, the innate immune response and its modulation by sex hormones during chronic lung inflammation, and asthma beyond adaptive immunity. Moreover, the role of TLRS during arthritis rheumatoid onset and development is discussed as well as the modulation of the innate immune system by extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, a novel strategy to interrupt the transmission of diseases by mosquitoes and the modulation of the innate immune system by the endocrine disrupting compounds bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are discussed. The Innate Immune System in Health and Disease: From the Lab Bench Work to its Clinical Implications. Volume 2 promises to be a must-have book for all people who want to know about the role of the basic functioning of the innate immune system in several diseases of actual relevance to human health.

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Book SynopsisThe significance of autoimmune diseases increases day by day. Cancer is an important cause of mortality for which no definitive treatment has yet been found. Cancer can occur for many reasons. Studies have shown that autoimmunity underlies some types of cancer. On the contrary, antitumor immune responses may become cross-reactive with their own tissues, resulting in the development of autoimmunity. Further investigation of the relationship between autoimmunity and cancer will open new horizons for diagnosis and treatment of both groups of disease. This book presents studies of potential mechanisms linking autoimmunity and cancer and the relationship of malignancies with autoimmune disorders.

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Book SynopsisThe rapid acceptance of immunohistochemistry as an important and even indispensable adjunct to morphological examination and diagnosis requires the modern anatomical pathology laboratory to be conversant with, and proficient in, immunostaining procedures, as well as methods of tissue processing and antigen retrieval and the underlying characteristics of the increasing number of antibodies and antisera available. This fully revised, expanded and updated edition provides a comprehensive list of antisera and monoclonal antibodies that have useful diagnostic applications in tissue sections and cell preparations. Various clones, which are commercially available to detect the same antigen, are listed and the sensitivities and specificities of the antibodies are discussed. Importantly, the authors, all pathologists with a wealth of experience in immunostaining procedures, provide fully referenced details and expert advice on each reagent, with the reader will find invaluable. Finally, the appendices provide easily accessible and clear summaries of selected antibody panels for specific diagnostic situations, details of heat-induced antigen/epitope retrieval (including the use of microwaves) and a useful reference to the websites of the main antibody suppliers.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThe immune system plays an essential part to maintaining the homeostasis of the organism. It is responsible for tolerance towards self antigens and for recognition and elimination of infectious invaders and cancer cells. Immunomodulating agents constitute a wide family of therapeutic products for the treatment and prevention of human disease and pathophysiological situations with immunological imbalances. This Forum on immunomodulators represents a selection of important examples of immunomodulating agents readily usable in human therapy. Several potential applications of cytokines as well as synthetic products are also presented.

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