Protein Conformation As An Immunological Signal

This volume is the collection of papers presented during a four day meeting, the EMBO workshop "Protein Conformation as an Immunological Signal" that took place at Portovenere (La Spezia), Italy, October 1-4, 1981. The motivation that drove us to organize this meeting was the feeling that distinct groups of researchers, active in key areas of modern immunology, sometimes fail to communicate with each other simply because of different traditional affiliations. Yet it is urgent that "molecular" and "cellular" people cooperate more if immunology is to continue the exportation of new concepts to other disciplines. In fact, the deep meaning of molecule-molecule and cell-cell interaction, the generation of signals and their effective transmission which results in elicitation, control or suppression of responses cannot be unraveled without the experts on antibody structure or complement activation sharing their views with the experts on T cell, B cell and macrophage membrane receptors as well as the experts on factors that carry the information released by these cells. Whether the meeting was scientifically fruitful, the reader can judge after having digested these pages. We, the organizers, are not sure whether the optimal amount·of interaction had taken place; especially considering how hard it is to overcome the scientist's catch 22: You have to know something quite well before you get really interested in it. In any event, we are convinced that Portovenere was one of the most successful attempts we have witnessed.

This volume is the collection of papers presented during a four day meeting, the EMBO workshop "Protein Conformation as an Immunological Signal" that took place at Portovenere (La Spezia), Italy, October 1-4, 1981. The motivation that drove us to organize this meeting was the feeling that distinct groups of researchers, active in key areas of modern immunology, sometimes fail to communicate with each other simply because of different traditional affiliations. Yet it is urgent that "molecular" and "cellular" people cooperate more if immunology is to continue the exportation of new concepts to other disciplines. In fact, the deep meaning of molecule-molecule and cell-cell interaction, the generation of signals and their effective transmission which results in elicitation, control or suppression of responses cannot be unraveled without the experts on antibody structure or complement activation sharing their views with the experts on T cell, B cell and macrophage membrane receptors as well as the experts on factors that carry the information released by these cells. Whether the meeting was scientifically fruitful, the reader can judge after having digested these pages. We, the organizers, are not sure whether the optimal amount·of interaction had taken place; especially considering how hard it is to overcome the scientist's catch 22: You have to know something quite well before you get really interested in it. In any event, we are convinced that Portovenere was one of the most successful attempts we have witnessed.

Structural Biology in Immunology, Structure/Function of Novel Molecules of Immunologic Importance delivers important information on the structure and functional relationships in novel molecules of immunologic interest. Due to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the immune system, the approach to the treatment of many immune-mediated diseases, including multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease has been dramatically altered. Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness of the critical role of the immune system in cancer biology. The improved central structure function relationships presented in this book will further enhance our ability to understand what defects in normal individuals can lead to disease. Describes novel/recently discovered immunomodulatory proteins, including antibodies and co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory molecules Emphasizes new biologic and small molecule drug design through the exploration of structure-function relationship Features a collaborative editorial effort, involving clinical immunologists and structural biologists Provides useful and practical insights on developing the necessary links between basic science and clinical therapy in immunology Gives interested parties a bridge to learn about computer modeling and structure based design principles

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.

For 30 years, this esteemed serial has provided students and researchers with the latest information in Immunology. You can continue to rely on Advances in Immunology to provide you with critical reviews that examine subjects of vital importance to the field through summary and evaluation of current knowledge and research. The articles stress fundamental concepts, but also evaluate the experimental approaches. Each volume of Advances in Immunology contains a subject index as well as the contents of recent volumes. Each chapter includes references. Researchers and students in microbiology, genetics and immunocology will use this invaluable serial to stay updated on the latest advances for years to come. Key Features * Advances in Immunology will keep you informed on such broadly defined subjects as: * Immunochemistry * Antibody synthesis * Biological action of antibodies * Immunological unresponsiveness * Mechanisms in innate and acquired immunity not involving antibodies * Specialized immunological techniques

These volumes, Cytolytic Lymphocytes and Complement: Effectors of the Immune System, originate from the realization that pathways of recognition and killings of foreign targets follow similar routes in the humoral and cellular part of the immune system. In particular, the homology of immunoglobins with the T-cell-MHC-antigen receptor at the beginning of the recognition sequence and the homology of complement component C9 with lymphocyte perforin 1 (P1) as pore formers at the end of the effector sequence are striking examples.