T-Cell Paradigms in Parasitic and Bacterial Infections

T-Cell Paradigms in Parasitic and Bacterial Infections PDF

Author: Stefan H.E. Kaufmann

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-06-29

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 3642749836

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It has been said that the development of vaccines against a variety of infectious diseases is among the greatest triumphs of immunology. Indeed, several pathogens have lost their horror through the availability of effective vaccination measures. Unfortunately, this does not hold true for the pathogens dealt within this volume. Malaria, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, and tuberculosis together are prevalent in more than 100 countries, and over 400 million persons suffer from these diseases. It is becoming increasingly clear that the failure to control these infections in a satisfactory way is directly related to the complexity oftheir interactions with the immune system. These agents have lived with their hosts for long enough to give both-host and parasite-ample opportunity to develop a highly sophisticated interrelationship. The central role of T lymphocytes both in acquired resistance to and pathogenesis of these microbes is well appreciated. In the beginning it may have been thought that acq uired resistance against infectious agents is nothing but another aspect of the immune response, studied with soluble and particulate antigens. This simple concept has gradually changed, and it has become clear that the viability not only of the immune cells but also of the 'antigens' adds another dimension to the game. Several achievements in cellular immunology and molecular biology have now made it possible to better understand at least some mechanisms in this intricate interplay.

Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes in Human Viral and Malaria Infections

Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes in Human Viral and Malaria Infections PDF

Author: Michael B.A. Oldstone

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-11-11

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 3642785301

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Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) control several viral infections in animals based on deletion and reconstitution experiments with CTL clones and use of CD8 genetically deficient (knock-out) mice. In this volume, data for the role that CTL play in human infectious diseases is presented. As such, this represents the first volume in which such information from several different viral and protozoan infections is brought together.

Function and Specificity of γ/δ T Cells

Function and Specificity of γ/δ T Cells PDF

Author: Klaus Pfeffer

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 3642764924

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Our current understanding of a/~ T cell receptor (TCR) ex pressing T cells advanced from function and specificity to the molecular organization ofthe TCR.We now know that the TCR a and ~ chains together express specificity for (antigenic) peptides presented by the "responder" M H C allele, thus explain ing the phenomenon of MHC restriction at a molecular level. Surprisingly even though our perception of the molecular organization of the y5 TCR is well advanced, current knowledge of function and specificity of the y5 T cell subset is poor. There fore it appeared rather timely to bring together scientists pioneering research on y5 T cells forthe International Workshop on Function and Specificity ofy5 Tcells,held October11-14, 1990 at Schloss Elmau/Bavaria, FRG. Besides offering a scientific forum for open discussions, it was also hoped that such a workshop would be seminal for collaborative interactions and personal relationships among scientists "addicted" to y 15 T cells.

Molecular Biology and Immunology of Allergens

Molecular Biology and Immunology of Allergens PDF

Author: Dietrich Kraft

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1993-03-25

Total Pages: 358

ISBN-13: 9780849301360

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Molecular Biology and Immunology of Allergens explores the characteristics of natural allergens and allergens produced by recombinant DNA techniques. The book covers important inhalant allergens such as pollen, mites, molds, and pet dander, as well as insect venoms and Chironomid hemoglobin allergens. Biological functions of allergens; the structural definition of allergens by NMR, crystallography, and computer modeling; and the production of recombinant allergens are discussed. Special attention is given to the search for the most effective expression systems in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and the purification of recombinant allergens as fusion and non-fusion proteins. Other topics addressed include the production of allergen-specific T cell clones, the discovery of T cell epitopes by stimulation with overlapping peptides, and methods to induce T cell anergy by tolerogenic allergen-derived peptides. Molecular Biology and Immunology of Allergens will be an excellent reference for all researchers and clinicians in allergology, immunology, molecular biology, allergen extracting, and immunotherapy.

Immunity to Parasites

Immunity to Parasites PDF

Author: Derek Wakelin

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1996-08-13

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 9780521436359

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Parasites cause many important diseases in humans and domestic animals, malaria being an example. Parasites have evolved to exploit hosts' bodies whereas hosts have evolved immune systems to control infections. Host-parasite interactions therefore provide fascinating examples of evolutionary 'arms-races' in which the immune system plays a key role. Modern research in immunoparasitology is directed towards understanding and exploiting the capacity to develop effective anti-parasite immunity. By concentrating on selected infections where research has made significant progress, Immunity to Parasites provides a clear account of how host immune responses operate and how parasites can evade immunity. The experimental basis of this research is emphasised throughout. This completely updated second edition includes an expanded section on anti-parasite vaccines. The text is aimed at undergraduates and postgraduates with interests in either parasitology or immunology and provides introductory sections on these topics to lead the reader into the later chapters.

The Hepatitis C Viruses

The Hepatitis C Viruses PDF

Author: C.H. Hagedorn

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 3642596053

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Chronic hepatitis C is a major worldwide health problem affecting more than 170 million people. Chronic infections lead to cirrhosis and liver failure or hepatocellular cancer in many instances. This volume includes comprehensive reviews that cover much of the vast literature that has appeared since the identification of the hepatitis C virus RNA genome. It will be an invaluable collection for anyone wanting an up-to-date picture of HCV transmission, molecular virology, immune response, cellular/molecular pathogenesis, and possible avenues for developing effective new therapeutics and vaccines.

Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology

Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology PDF

Author: James Swarbrick

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2013-07-01

Total Pages: 880

ISBN-13: 1439808236

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Presenting authoritative and engaging articles on all aspects of drug development, dosage, manufacturing, and regulation, this Third Edition enables the pharmaceutical specialist and novice alike to keep abreast of developments in this rapidly evolving and highly competitive field. A dependable reference tool and constant companion for years to com

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis PDF

Author: David Schlossberg

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 1461383218

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The gratifYing response to the first edition of Tuberculosis has prompted this revision. There are many important changes incorporated into this edition, including the dramatic effect of AIDS on the incidence and clinical mani festations of mycobacterial infection, new developments in epidemiology and bacteriology, and thoroughly updated therapeutic recommendations and principles of prophylaxis. The chapters that deal with clinical manifestations of tuberculosis have also been updated and include important and clinically applicable information on manifestations of tuberculosis in both the normal and immunocomprom ised host. As with the first edition, it is hoped that this text will continue to represent a definitive resource for both the basic scientist and the clinician who deal with the prevention and treatment of mycobacterial infection. II Preface to the First Edition We have just witnessed the lOOth anniversary of Koch's discovery of the tubercle bacillus. This event did not end the centuries-long saga of tuber culosis, however; it was but one major step in the ongoing struggle to un derstand and combat this disease. Tuberculosis is very much with us today, and its clinical manifestations and principles of treatment must be understood by both the primary care physician and the specialist. This monograph covers all aspects of tuberculosis in a single volume. It is divided into three parts, covering, respectively, general considerations, clin ical manifestations, and atypical mycobacterial infection.

Epidemiology and Biology of Multiple Myeloma

Epidemiology and Biology of Multiple Myeloma PDF

Author: G. Iris Obrams

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 3642766552

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On March 27, 1990, the National Cancer Institute sponsored a workshop on the epidemiology of multiple myeloma, held at the National Institutes of Health. This book comprises articles prepared by participants in this work shop. Discussed in these papers are: the descriptive and analytic epidemi ology, differences in risk factors between blacks and whites, monoclonal gammopathies and their progression, and hypotheses regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. Several epidemiologic research areas received particular attention during this workshop, and are reviewed in detail in this volume. There have been striking increases in the incidence of multiple myeloma over the past thirty years, especially among older individuals and blacks, which may not be entirely explained by changes in diagnostic capabilities. Occupational and environmental exposures have been associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma, including farming exposures, occupational exposure to petroleum and rubber processing, exposure to ionizing radiation, and asso ciations with persistent virus infections. The most striking epidemiological finding is reflected in the differences in incidence rates of multiple myeloma which are twice as high in blacks as compared with whites. Further, since 1950 the mortality rates for multiple myeloma have quadrupled in blacks while doubling for whites. Among hematopoietic malignancies, multiple myeloma is the only one with increased incidence and mortality rates among blacks. 1\vo major possibilities for explaining ethnic/racial differences in suscepti bility to multiple myeloma are genetic and environmental factors.