Molecular Mimicry

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This book comprehensively sets out the common aetiopathogenetic mechanisms shared by many, apparently diverse, diseases of the immune system. Unlike most other texts it does not emphasise the differences between autoimmune diseases, but establishes their many common links including hormonal effects, dietary and immunogenetic influences, complement deficiencies and environmental factors. Special attention is given to the effects of ageing and the relationship with malignancies. The scope of the book is very broad so as to cover the integration of the many diverse components which interact to cause autoimmunity, and it contains many 1988 and 1989 references and over 100 figures and tables, offering an attractive, up-to-date guide to modern concepts. It will greatly assist immunologists wishing to enter the field of autoimmunity, and will serve as an invaluable reference work for those already working in it.

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.

Here is an up-to-date review of important new methods and results in anti-idiotypes, receptors, and molecular mimicry. It begins with a discussion of the theoretical background of the anti-idiotypic network, it's role in the regulation of immune response, and the physical characteristics of anti-idiotypic antibodies. It then goes on to explore many exciting applications in such areas as insulin action, thyroid cell function, the neurosciences, cardiology, virology, pharmacology, and reproduction.

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.

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.

In 1900, for every 1,000 babies born in the United States, 100 would die before their first birthday, often due to infectious diseases. Today, vaccines exist for many viral and bacterial diseases. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, passed in 1986, was intended to bolster vaccine research and development through the federal coordination of vaccine initiatives and to provide relief to vaccine manufacturers facing financial burdens. The legislation also intended to address concerns about the safety of vaccines by instituting a compensation program, setting up a passive surveillance system for vaccine adverse events, and by providing information to consumers. A key component of the legislation required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the Institute of Medicine to assess concerns about the safety of vaccines and potential adverse events, especially in children. Adverse Effects of Vaccines reviews the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence regarding adverse health events associated with specific vaccines covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), including the varicella zoster vaccine, influenza vaccines, the hepatitis B vaccine, and the human papillomavirus vaccine, among others. For each possible adverse event, the report reviews peer-reviewed primary studies, summarizes their findings, and evaluates the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence. It finds that while no vaccine is 100 percent safe, very few adverse events are shown to be caused by vaccines. In addition, the evidence shows that vaccines do not cause several conditions. For example, the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism or childhood diabetes. Also, the DTaP vaccine is not associated with diabetes and the influenza vaccine given as a shot does not exacerbate asthma. Adverse Effects of Vaccines will be of special interest to the National Vaccine Program Office, the VICP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine safety researchers and manufacturers, parents, caregivers, and health professionals in the private and public sectors.

There are millions of people who experience issues related to brain health--depression, attention issues, anxiety, forgetfulness, fatigue, and even chronic pain--yet can’t figure out what’s causing their problems and can’t find any relief. They may have seen a myriad of doctors, many of whom do not take their complaints seriously, or worse, turn to the easy, often inappropriate fix of antidepressants or antianxiety medications. Traditional medications, supplements, or other therapies haven’t worked. No matter what their age--from children to teens or seniors--people and their loved ones are frustrated, scared, and confused by their continued poor health. Countless others display severe psychiatric symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere, ranging from tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety, to depression, bipolar-like mood swings, and even borderline personality disorder and suicidal ideas. . Sometimes, the people affected are the only ones that notices a change to the way they think or feel, and they suffer in silence. Or, they reach out to try to get help, and are all too frequently misdiagnosed. Now, Dr. David Younger, a world-renowned physician, provides relief to these patients and their families. His diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols will help readers identify the true cause of their symptoms and put them on a clear path to healing so they no longer feel unbalanced, out of control, forgetful, and exhausted. THE AUTOIMMUNE BRAIN connects common brain health symptoms to the changes in the immune system, and particularly bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. In this book, Dr. Younger explains his groundbreaking research and adds a new component: how traumatic stress (whether physical or emotional) and genetics affects this same triad as inextricable factors in initiating disease and brain health symptoms. In fact, a change in personality, behavior, coping style, and one’s emotional state may be the first clue that there is a health problem brewing somewhere else in the body. Readers will find new answers to troubling conditions, including: Alzheimer’s disease Anxiety Arthritis Autism Autonomic disturbances Bacterial and viral infections Bipolar Disorder Cancer Celiac disease and gluten intolerances Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease) Chronic Pain Dementia Depression Endocrine Disorders Immune modulatory therapy using IVIg Lyme disease and co-infections Mast cell activation syndrome Medical cannabis Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Orthostatic hypotension Peripheral Neuropathy Porphyria Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Postural orthostatic tachycardia