Suppressor Cells And Their Factors

It has only been a short time since the existence of suppressor cells was demonstrated, yet in this period of time a great deal of information has been compiled concerning their basic science and their functions or disordered functions in human disease. This volume is an tempt to clarify the immune mechanisms through which these cells act, their normal functions, and how their functions are disordered in certain disease states. In this volume some rational approaches are proposed to therapy of diseases perceived at least partially due to disordered immune regulation. Particular focus is on the recently emerging field of soluble suppressor factors as a means of providing adoptive immunotherapy in certain situations. I hope that future work in this field will justify the confidence in this approach.

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.

Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that can suppress the function of multiple immune cells and in particular, T cells, through various mechanisms. MDSCs can be divided into two major subtypes based on their cell surface phenotype and morphology: polymorphonuclear MDSC (PMN-MDSC or G-MDSC) and monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC). Additional subtypes have been proposed, such as the early MDSC (e-MDSC) that lack both macrophage and granulocyte markers. There is still considerable ambiguity about the phenotype of these cells that corresponds to their immunosuppressive function and there are on-going challenges on how to identify, purify and/or potentially generate and expand these cells in vitro. MDSCs were first discovered in cancer patients where they have been most extensively studied as components of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the last several years, however, the importance of their immunomodulatory role in many other disease and clinical settings has emerged. Acknowledgments We acknowledge the initiation and support of this Research Topic by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). We hereby state publicly that the IUIS has had no editorial input in articles included in this Research Topic, thus ensuring that all aspects of this Research Topic are evaluated objectively, unbiased by any specific policy or opinion of the IUIS.

The Immune Response is a unique reference work covering the basic and clinical principles of immunology in a modern and comprehensive fashion. Written in an engaging conversational style, the book conveys the broad scope and fascinating appeal of immunology. The book is beautifully illustrated with superb figures as well as many full color plates. This extraordinary work will be an invaluable resource for lecturers and graduate students in immunology, as well as a vital reference for research scientists and clinicians studying related areas in the life and medical sciences. Current and thorough 30 chapter reference reviewed by luminaries in the field Unique ‘single voice' ensures consistency of definitions and concepts Comprehensive and elegant illustrations bring key concepts to life Provides historical context to allow fuller understanding of key issues Introductory chapters 1-4 serve as an ‘Immunology Primer' before topics are discussed in more detail

The Janeway's Immunobiology CD-ROM, Immunobiology Interactive, is included with each book, and can be purchased separately. It contains animations and videos with voiceover narration, as well as the figures from the text for presentation purposes.

Immunobiology of Transfer Factor compiles research papers presented at the Fourth International Transfer Factor Workshop, held at the Given Institute of Pathobiology in Aspen, Colorado, on October 3-6, 1982. This book focuses on the immunologic effects of transfer factor, which are supported by in vitro and in vivo experiments that indicate immunologically specific interactions between transfer factor and antigens. The topics include the selective removal of transfer factor activity with antigen, antigen-specific suppressor factor in human leukocyte dialysates, and specific suppressor dialysates from mice. The kinetics of immune response and production of transfer factor in bovine, dialyzable leukocyte extracts in pulmonary diseases, and mechanisms of action of human transfer factor are also elaborated. This compilation is suitable for microbiologists, immunologists, and specialists researching on transfer factor.

The Autoimmune Diseases comprehensively describes the clinical expressions of all known autoimmune diseases, as well as the experimental bases of autoimmunity and failure of tolerance. The scientific chapters include mechanisms of natural tolerance, the genetic basis of autoimmunity, the significance of apoptosis, the influence of cytokines, environmental influences, and experimental models. The clinical chapters cover autoimmune endocrine deficiencies, insulin-dependent diabetes, rheumatic disorders, neurological diseases, and diseases of the blood, skin, eye, kidney, and liver.