Recent Advances In Oral Immunity

The oral mucosa is a challenging environment from an immunological perspective, containing discrete niches with a unique architecture and function that requires precise adjustment of the immune system. Being the port of entry to the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, the oral cavity is also constantly challenged by antigens derived from air and food. Moreover, the oral cavity is the sole tissue of the body harboring a hard surface (i.e. the tooth) that is exposed to the hostile external environment, resulting in the formation of a complex biofilm that has local and systemic effects. To deal with such challenges, the oral immune system aims to prevent the invasion of pathogens/harmful antigens and to tolerate non-pathogenic counterparts in order to maintain homeostasis. In recent years, numerous studies have addressed these fundamental issues, revealing sophisticated mechanisms engaged by the immune system to maintain oral mucosal homeostasis and to combat various immunological insults. Some of these studies have identified novel immunological mechanisms, emphasizing the uniqueness of the oral immune system and the necessity to further investigate its functions.

The first International Conference on Oral Mucosal Immunity and Microbiome (OMIM) aimed to highlight cutting-edge basic and translational research from an oral immunological and microbiological perspective. Oral diseases with a microbial etiology are the most prevalent chronic diseases of humans. Whilst not life-threatening, they can significantly compromise quality of life, are associated with increased risk for certain systemic diseases, and pose heavy financial burdens to national health systems. Hence, periodontal and peri-implant diseases, dental caries, root canal infections and mucosal infections are significant global public health problems. In this book global experts summarize and discuss the latest progress made in oral mucosal immunity and the oral microbiome. Target audience is basic and/or translational researchers with expertise in host immunity and microbiome research, and interest in oral health and disease. This volume provides a much needed quantum leap in the field, by joining forces to address gaps at the oral mucosal immunity-microbiome cross-talk.

Increasing interest in the immunology of mucosal surfaces is obvious from the number of publications in scientific journals and from the frequency of national and international symposia devoted to this subject. Particularly encouraging are the large numbers of young investigators who have chosen to work in this area of theoretical immunology with profound practical implications. The two volumes represented here are the result of an International Congress Of Mucosal Immunology held at the Niagara Falls Convention Center and the Niagara Falls Hilton on June 29 - July 3, 1986. This satellite meeting of the International Congress of Immunology placed emphasis on all aspects of the Mucosal Immune System. This included the regulation of differentiation of mucosal lymphocytes, mucosa-associated lymphoreticular tissue and lymphocyte homing, the immunology of mucosa associated tissues and glands, effector functions in mucosal immunity, and the effects of environmental antigens on the immune response, all of which are included in Volume I. The second volume has emphasized studies of the immune response and effector functions, IgA biosynthesis and transport, IgA proteases and effector functions, developmental aspects and immunodeficiency, the immunopathology of IgA and mucosal immunoprophylaxis. A total of 218 papers are included in these two volumes and a comparison to past meetings held at four to five year intervals indicates the explosive growth of mucosal immunology.

The first International Conference on Oral Mucosal Immunity and Microbiome (OMIM) aimed to highlight cutting-edge basic and translational research from an oral immunological and microbiological perspective. Oral diseases with a microbial etiology are the most prevalent chronic diseases of humans. Whilst not life-threatening, they can significantly compromise quality of life, are associated with increased risk for certain systemic diseases, and pose heavy financial burdens to national health systems. Hence, periodontal and peri-implant diseases, dental caries, root canal infections and mucosal infections are significant global public health problems. In this book global experts summarize and discuss the latest progress made in oral mucosal immunity and the oral microbiome. Target audience is basic and/or translational researchers with expertise in host immunity and microbiome research, and interest in oral health and disease. This volume provides a much needed quantum leap in the field, by joining forces to address gaps at the oral mucosal immunity-microbiome cross-talk.

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.

This comprehensive, authoritative treatise covers all aspects of mucosal vaccines including their development, mechanisms of action, molecular/cellular aspects, and practical applications. The contributing authors and editors of this one-of-a-kind book are very well known in their respective fields. Mucosal Vaccines is organized in a unique format in which basic, clinical, and practical aspects of the mucosal immune system for vaccine development are described and discussed. This project is endorsed by the Society for Mucosal Immunology. Provides the latest views on mucosal vaccines Applies basic principles to the development of new vaccines Links basic, clinical, and practical aspects of mucosal vaccines to different infectious diseases Unique and user-friendly organization

In Immunotherapy for Infectious Disease, Jeffrey M. Jacobson, MD, and a panel of leading researchers review the state-of-the-art for treating various infections-particularly HIV-by manipulating the immune system's response rather than by chemical drugs. The contributors synthesize the principles of immune defense on the molecular level (monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, methods of antigen presentation, and cytokines and cytokine antagonists), as well as on the cellular and clinical levels levels as a protection against infection. The review of the current state of anti-HIV immunotherapy covers HIV-specific passive and active immunization strategies, gene therapy, and host cell-targeted approaches for treating HIV infection and restoring immune function.