Clinical Cellular Immunology

The initial impetus to create a work combining aspects of cel lular immunology with their clinical applications grew from the ed itors' discussions of the area's needs with many of the leaders in the field over a period of time. From the nucleus of ideas that emerged, we have here attempted to create a unified and inte grated coverage of the rapidly growing field of cellular immunology research and to trace out-from what seems at times a genuine plethora of important new findings-the many and often impor tant clinical implications. Because of this approach, the chapters of Clinical Cellular Im munology attempt to be more than critical reviews of research and clinical data, going beyond analysis to synthesize working hypotheses about the functional meaning of cellular immunological phenomena and their likely clinical significance. To accomplish this undertaking, the text begins first with a consid eration of the molecular aspects of antigen recognition (Luderer and Harvey) and of the ensuing regulatory program initiation (Fathman). Then, the functional subsets oflymphocytes as they in teract to produce and control the developing immune response are explored in detail (Sigel et a1.), followed by a unique analytical dis section of the action of immunosuppressive agents on the sundry inductive and regulatory immunologic pathways (Sigel et al.). A majority of the data and conclusions drawn by the authors in the previous chapters arise from work on murine systems, al though wherever appropriate, human data has been introduced.

There have been tremendous strides in cellular transplantation in recent years, leading to accepted practice for the treatment of certain diseases, and use for many others in trial phases. The long history of cellular transplantation, or the transfer of cells from one organism or region of the body to another, has been revolutionized by advances in stem cell research, as well as developments in gene therapy. Cellular Transplants: From Lab to Clinic provides a thorough foundation of the basic science underpinning this exciting field, expert overviews of the state-of-the-art, and detailed description of clinical success stories to date, as well as insights into the road ahead. As highlighted by this timely and authoritative survey, scale-up technologies and whole organ transplantation are among the hurdles representing the next frontier. The contents are organized into four main sections, with the first covering basic biology, including transplant immunology, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, stem cell biology, and the development of donor animals for transplantation. The next part looks at peripheral and reconstructive applications, followed by a section devoted to transplantation for diseases of the central nervous system. The last part presents efforts to address the key challenges ahead, such as identifying novel transplantable cells and integrating biomaterials and nanotechnology with cell matrices. Provides detailed description of clinical trials in cell transplantation Review of current therapeutic approaches Coverage of the broad range of diseases addressed by cell therapeutics Discussion of stem cell biology and its role in transplantation

Methods in Cellular Immunology provides a guide to cellular immunological methods. This indispensible book covers both murine and human models. The described methods involve cell isolation and separation; antibody production, detection, and isolation; flow cytometry; NK cytotoxicity; and quantitation of cytokines and cytokine receptors.This practical, easy-to-follow methods book presents step-by-step descriptions of the most common techniques of cellular immunology in a style that both novices and seasoned scientists will be able to understand. Text includes the background information necessary to perform basic techniques. An extensive list of references is provided, allowing readers to compare the methods in the book with the original techniques. The book also lists the manufacturers of all chemicals and materials used in the procedures. Both scientists and researchers involved in basic and clinical research and all scientists wishing to employ immunological techniques will benefit from this valuable resource.

Covering one of the hottest topics in immunology today, this book provides a comprehensive view of all types of regulatory T cells described so far in the literature. The book will have broad appeal to both researchers and clinicians.

A step-by-step guide to commonly used procedures, Methods in Cellular Immunology addresses both human and murine models, in addition to such topics as PCR and apoptosis. The basic format of the original version has been maintained, and the goal remains the same: to make it a useful and easy-to-use tool for investigators employing cellular immunological techniques in their research, regardless of whether or not immunology is their main area of expertise. It provides information about manufacturers and commercial sources of chemicals and reagents and a comprehensive list of references, allowing readers to refer back to the original information and/or techniques.