Molecular Mimicry Infection Inducing Autoimmune Disease

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This is the most comprehensive review of the idiotypic network available. All the current knowledge of idiotypes of the various antibodies is incorporated in this volume. The pathogenic role of idiotypes in autoimmunity and cancer is reviewed in depth. The therapeutic part focusses on harnessing anti-idiotypes for treating autoimmunological disorders, and on the employment of idiotypes for vaccines in cancer and infectious diseases, as well as explaining the manipulation of the idiotypic network in autoimmunity and cancer idiotypes and vaccines.

Infection and Autoimmunity encompasses the different mechanisms involved in the infection-autoimmunity association/induction. Special attention is given to heat shock proteins (HSPs) and to transgenic mouse models to better understand infection-induced autoimmunity. Organized into six parts, this book first discusses the mechanisms of autoimmune induction by infection. Some chapters follow discussing the vaccination and vaccines, including the controversial issue of vaccine-autoimmunity relationship. Other chapters elucidate the relationship of bacteria and parasites to autoimmunity. Lastly, the aspects of infections and diseases are described. This reference material will help readers gain a deeper insight into the important etiological aspects of autoimmunity. The only book directed at the interactions between infectious agents and autoimmunity Describes the prevalence and incidence of the global issues and current therapeutic approaches Presents the measures for infection control Completely updated, with new chapters One-stop reference with easy access to topics

This volume focuses on the evidence for or against molecular mimicry as a cause of autoimmunity. Contributions from recognized experts present their original findings, and the final chapter reviews the overall perspective of molecular mimicry, how to use its principles in clinical investigation and list the conceptual traits by which autoimmune disaese can occur.

Experts in microbiology and autoimmunity examine the association between microorganisms and the development of specific categories of autoimmune diseases. The opening chapters explore the bacterial induction of diseases considered autoimmune in nature. Subsequent chapters describe the role of viruses in the induction of these diseases and of diseases with an autoimmune component. Specific topics include: the role of streptococcal infection in rheumatic fever and the role of Klebsiella in the development of ankylosing spondylitis.

The current proliferation of scientific information makes it difficult for even the most diligent reader to keep up with the latest developments in his/her own field, let alone other areas of interest. Review articles are one solution, but they too have become so voluminous and detailed that they often defeat the purpose for which they were intended. We have attempted to ease this problem by using a different format. In this volume on Concepts in Viral Pathogenesis, we have assembled a series of mini-reviews/editorials, 1,000 to 2,000 words in length. Each is a pithy distil lation of the state-of-the-art with emphasis on current thinking and unifying concepts rather than a compendium of the literature. The 53 articles, all written by active workers in their respective fields, are organized systemati cally so that the book will provide busy investigators, teachers and students of up-to-date information in a very brief and easily read a conceptual core able form. In addition, the authors have attempted to identify unresolved problems and point to future directions.

A comprehensive review of molecular mimicry. - Presents the latest scientific developments in how molecular mimicry between infectious agents and host molecules can lead to autoimmunity. - Covers molecular mimicry and autoimmunity in the context of specific diseases. - Offers a better understanding of how microbes may lead to autoimmune diseases. - Reviews the most current thinking about microbial pathogens and how they trigger autoimmunity.