Immuno Systems Biology

Immuno Systems Biology aims to study the immune system in the more integrated manner on how cells and molecules participate at different system levels to the immune function. Through this book Kumar Selvarajoo introduces to physicists, chemists, computer scientists, biologists and immunologists the idea of an integrated approach to the understanding of mammalian immune system. Geared towards a researcher with limited immunological and computational analytical experience, the book provides a broad overview to the subject and some instruction in basic computational, theoretical and experimental approaches. The book links complex immunological processes with computational analysis and emphasizes the importance of immunology to the mammalian system.

The immune system refers to the network of biological processes that protect an organism from diseases. It recognizes and reacts to a wide range of pathogens including cancer cells, viruses and parasitic worms. The immune system is divided into two main subsystems, namely, the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. The adaptive immune system recognizes the unique components of individual pathogens, whereas innate immune system recognizes the components shared by all pathogens. Antigens are the type of substances that are identified by the immune system and can subsequently trigger an immune response. A dysfunctional immune system can lead to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Immunodeficiency is caused when the immune system is not active, which leads to persistent and potentially fatal infections. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about immuno systems biology. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this area of study.

"Taken together, the body of information contained in this book provides readers with a bird’s-eye view of different aspects of exciting work at the convergence of disciplines that will ultimately lead to a future where we understand how immunity is regulated, and how we can harness this knowledge toward practical ends that reduce human suffering. I commend the editors for putting this volume together." –Arup K. Chakraborty, Robert T. Haslam Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Professor of Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA New experimental techniques in immunology have produced large and complex data sets that require quantitative modeling for analysis. This book provides a complete overview of computational immunology, from basic concepts to mathematical modeling at the single molecule, cellular, organism, and population levels. It showcases modern mechanistic models and their use in making predictions, designing experiments, and elucidating underlying biochemical processes. It begins with an introduction to data analysis, approximations, and assumptions used in model building. Core chapters address models and methods for studying immune responses, with fundamental concepts clearly defined. Readers from immunology, quantitative biology, and applied physics will benefit from the following: Fundamental principles of computational immunology and modern quantitative methods for studying immune response at the single molecule, cellular, organism, and population levels. An overview of basic concepts in modeling and data analysis. Coverage of topics where mechanistic modeling has contributed substantially to current understanding. Discussion of genetic diversity of the immune system, cell signaling in the immune system, immune response at the cell population scale, and ecology of host-pathogen interactions.

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.

The volume focuses on the genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics of a single cell, especially lymphocytes and on understanding the molecular mechanisms of systems immunology. Based on the author’s personal experience, it provides revealing insights into the potential applications, significance, workflow, comparison, future perspectives and challenges of single-cell sequencing for identifying and developing disease-specific biomarkers in order to understand the biological function, activation and dysfunction of single cells and lymphocytes and to explore their functional roles and responses to therapies. It also provides detailed information on individual subgroups of lymphocytes, including cell characters, function, surface markers, receptor function, intracellular signals and pathways, production of inflammatory mediators, nuclear receptors and factors, omics, sequencing, disease-specific biomarkers, bioinformatics, networks and dynamic networks, their role in disease and future prospects. Dr. Xiangdong Wang is a Professor of Medicine, Director of Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Director of Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Director of the Biomedical Research Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Deputy Director of Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Shanghai, China.

The branch of biology and medicine that focuses on the study of immune systems in all organisms is termed as immunology. The basic purpose of studying the immune systems is to chart, measure and describing the functioning of the immune system in the state of health and disease. The study of immunology has a wide range of applications in different fields of medicine such as bacteriology, parasitology, psychiatry, oncology and organ transplantation. Immunological disorders can lead to immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. Immunodeficiency is a condition in which the organism's ability to fight infectious diseases and cancer is absent or is highly compromised. Autoimmune diseases are a result of abnormal immune response to a functioning part of the body. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of immunology. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this field have been included herein. The book aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of the discipline.