Immunological Mechanisms In Asthma And Allergic Diseases

This book explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in asthma and allergic diseases, from basic immunology to the treatment of patients. Arising from a special symposium held to celebrate Professor A. Barry Kay's 20th anniversary as Head of the Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the National Heart and Lung Institute, London, the publication presents 18 review articles by an impressive cross section of experts in the field. Topics considered include Th1 and Th2 cells, the regultion of Th2 cytokine transcription, the role of T cells in the immunopathogenesis of asthma, and MHC-restricted IgE-independent T-cell-induced late-phase responses in human subjects. Further chapters focus on eosinophil adhesion and activation, the role of C-C chemokines in the recruitment of eosinophils, and the interactions between eosinophils and fibroblasts. T-cell recruitment and T-cell interactions in cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity and fibrotic lung disease are discussed, as is the molecular pathology of allergic disease. Finally, treatment approaches are considered in chapters on the molecular basis of corticosteroid actions in asthma, immunosuppression in asthma, and immunotherapy of allergic diseases.

Annotation In the western world, the prevalence of allergy and asthma has increased two- to threefold over the last 40 years and has reached epidemic proportions. This book represents the first complete document containing recommendations on the prevention of allergy and allergic asthma based on the current understanding of the immunological mechanisms of allergic reactions. Prevention of Allergy and Allergic Asthma was a collaborative project between the WAO (World Allergy Organization) and the WHO, launched in 1999. Following two interim reports, this monograph is the final report of the group of international experts involved in the project, ranging from basic immunologists to clinicians. Both theoretical and practical aspects are discussed, and constructive advice is given. Through its network of more than 70 member societies, the WAO will now promote the concept of prevention of allergies and allergic asthma worldwide to benefit patients prone to become allergic, to prevent the worsening of existing allergic diseases, and to reduce their high cost to society. This publication is recommended to specialists in allergy, pediatrics, pneumology and dermatology as well as to general practitioners, health care professionals, journalists, politicians and patients. Only by increasing the knowledge about allergic diseases throughout society can the right steps be taken for their effective prevention.

Allergy and Allergic Diseases has been organized to provide an up-to-date, clinically relevant compilation of one of the most exciting areas of investigation in medicine today-allergic disease, especially as it pertains to the skin, airways, and bowel. With the dramatic rise in the incidence of various allergic disorders worldwide, and the coming of age of the discipline of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, the interface between basic and clinical science in this arena demands highlighting in this comprehensive new syn thesis.1t is with the hope of filling this evident need that Allergy and Allergic Diseases: The New Mechanisms and Therapeutics has been put together. The book's content is divided into both basic and clinical sections, with emphasis on various components of the immune and inflammatory response as they relate to the development of allergic disease. Topics span the range from molecular biology to clinical symptomatology, with an effort to make this of interest to as broad a constituency as possible. This book will therefore be of substantial interest to specialists in Clinical Immunology and Allergy, scientists studying the cellular and molecular biology of in flammation and immunity, as well as internists, teachers, developers of medical school curricula, and members of industry focused on drug discovery and therapeutics. Indeed, a separate section has been added to deal with some specific issues in this latter field.

Contains patterns of allergic reactivity for disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and anaphylaxis. Written by leading experts in the field, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Allergic Diseases covers non-anaphylactic drug disorders; synthesis and formation of IgE antibodies; new treatments using allergenic peptides, immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, and pharmacogenomics;recent advances targeting effector mechanisms; hypersensitivity reactions to drugs and more! With over 3100 references, tables, drawings, and micrographs, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Allergic Diseases is an essential reference for allergists, pulmonologists, immunologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, internists, pediatricians, family practitioners, and medical students in these disciplines.

This book presents the state of the art in cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the immune response in allergic inflammation. Special attention is given to the central role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in immune regulation and induction of peripheral tolerance, as well as to the relevance of Th17 cells in chronic inflammation. The importance of Treg and Th17 cells is demonstrated in bronchial asthma, atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Furthermore, T-cell-mediated regulatory mechanisms in helminthic infections and fungal allergy are discussed. Several chapters are devoted to the therapeutic consequences that these recently discovered T-cell functions may have. Their role as a potential target for specific immunotherapy is evaluated and novel approaches for peripheral tolerance induction and treatment of allergic and asthmatic diseases and inflammation are suggested. Stem cell transplantation as a future therapeutic intervention in regulatory T-cell disorders is also considered. Well edited and up to date, this volume is recommended reading for allergologists, immunologists, dermatologists and any scientist interested in the immunological events regulating allergic inflammation in general and allergic manifestations in different organs.

Allergic and Immunologic Diseases: A Practical Guide to the Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Allergic and Immunologic Diseases is a valuable resource for researchers and others involved in the day-to-day practice of allergy and immunology, with specific information, protocols and algorithms to guide their thinking. The book provides practical information and an explanation of why and how we do things, while also addressing the limitations of testing and treatment. Other sections focus on scientific based practices and the known pathophysiology of allergic and immunologic diseases, along with mechanisms of action in various treatment modalities. This book is unique in that it explains the rationale behind everything we do in allergy and immunology, hence it offers readers specific information on procedures and how to order tests and treat allergic and immunologic diseases. Contains useful information on allergic and immunologic diseases, from why we do things the way we do, to methodologies, interpretation of the results and management of diseases Provides information that can be immediately downloadable for any specific procedure or treatment algorithm for immediate use Evaluates scientific merit and evidence or lack thereof

The present Edition "Allergic diseases - highlights in the clinic, mechanisms and treatment" aims to present some recent aspects related to one of the most prevalent daily clinical expression disease. The effort of a group of outstanding experts from many countries reflects a set of scientific studies very promising for a better clinical care and also to the treatment and control of the allergy. This book provides a valuable reference text in several topics of the clinical allergy and basic issues related to the immune system response. The inflammatory reaction understanding in allergic disease is clearly evidenced, as well as new strategies for further researches.