Dynamics Of Immune Activation In Viral Diseases

This book discusses various components of the innate and adaptive immune response in combating viral infections, presenting the recent advances in our understanding of innate immunity recognition of viruses and highlighting the important role of inflammation, cytokines such as interferon, toll-like receptors and leukocytes in the initial detection of invading viruses and subsequent activation of adaptive immunity. It also summarizes the role of the adaptive immunity against viral infections through clearance of virus and establishment of memory response that protects against the recurrent infections. In addition, the book examines the role of DNA and RNA sensors in viral recognition and in controlling viral infection. Lastly, it reviews the latest developments in the development of the rational viral vaccines. As such it is a useful resource book for postgraduate and early researchers wanting to gain insights into the immune response to viral infections.

This groundbreaking book describes the emerging field of theoretical immunology, in particular the use of mathematical models to describe the spread of infectious diseases within patients. It reveals fascinating insights into the dynamics of viral and other infections, and the interactions between infectious agents and immune responses. Structured around the examples of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, Nowak and May show how mathematical models can help researchers to understand the detailed dynamics of infection and the effects of antiviral therapy. Models are developed to describe the dynamics of drug resistance, immune responses, viral evolution and mutation, and to optimise the design of therapy and vaccines. - ;We know, down to the tiniest details, the molecular structure of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Yet despite this tremendous accomplishment, and despite other remarkable advances in our understanding of individual viruses and cells of the immune system, we still have no agreed understanding of the ultimate course and variability of the pathogenesis of AIDS. Gaps in our understanding like these impede our efforts towards developing effective therapies and preventive vaccines. Martin Nowak and Robert M May describe the emerging field of theoretical immunology in this accessible and well- written text. Using mathematical modelling techniques, the authors set out their ideas about how populations of viruses and populations of immune system cells may interact in various circumstances, and how infectious diseases spread within patients. They explain how this approach to understanding infectious diseases can reveal insights into the dynamics of viral and other infections, and the interactions between infectious agents and immune responses. The book is structured around the examples of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B virus, although the approaches described will be more widely applicable. The authors use mathematical tools to uncover the detailed dynamics of the infection and the effects of antiviral therapy. Models are developed to describe the emergence of drug resistance, and the dynamics of immune responses, viral evolution, and mutation. The practical implications of this work for optimisation of the design of therapy and vaccines are discussed. The book concludes with a glance towards the future of this fascinating, and potentially highly useful, field of study. - ;... an excellent introduction to a field that has the potential to advance substantially our understanding of the complex interplay between virus and host - Nature

The proceedings address viral diseases, vaccines, and particularly the immune response to different viruses, with the project in mind of maximizing the protective response of new vaccines and minimizing their immunopathologic effect. Considers the new possibility of using some viruses as carriers for other antigens.

Persistent Viral Infections Edited by Rafi Ahmed Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, USA and Irvin S. Y. Chen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA During the past decade much of our attention has focused on diseases associated with viral persistence. Major breakthroughs in immunology, and the advent of molecular approaches to study pathogenesis have increased our understanding of the complex virus-host interactions that occur during viral persistence. Persistent Viral Infections focuses on: * The pathogenesis and immunology of chronic infections * Animal models that provide, or have the potential to provide, major insights This volume will be essential reading for virologists, immunologists, oncologists and neurologists.

Fenner and White's Medical Virology, Fifth Edition provides an integrated view of related sciences, from cell biology, to medical epidemiology and human social behavior. The perspective represented by this book, that of medical virology as an infectious disease science, is meant to provide a starting point, an anchor, for those who must relate the subject to clinical practice, public health practice, scholarly research, and other endeavors. The book presents detailed exposition on the properties of viruses, how viruses replicate, and how viruses cause disease. These chapters are then followed by an overview of the principles of diagnosis, epidemiology, and how virus infections can be controlled. The first section concludes with a discussion on emergence and attempts to predict the next major public health challenges. These form a guide for delving into the specific diseases of interest to the reader as described in Part II. This lucid and concise, yet comprehensive, text is admirably suited to the needs of not only advanced students of science and medicine, but also postgraduate students, teachers, and research workers in all areas of virology. Features updated and expanded coverage of pathogenesis and immunity Contains the latest laboratory diagnostic methods Provides insights into clinical features of human viral disease, vaccines, chemotherapy, epidemiology, and control

Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference held in New Port Beach, California, February 6-8, 1998

During the last 5 years, major advances have been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and in the development of new potent antiviral agents. With regard to HIV pathogenesis, several recent observations have not only changed our perspectives of HIV disease, but have been critical for the design of therapeutic strategies.

A textbook on Primary HIV Infection. Here, clinicians contribute their knowledge from treating large groups of infected patients.