The Interleukins

Investigations of the activation, proliferation, and, in some cases, differentia tion of mononuclear cells involved in the immune response are proceeding rapidly. These studies have resulted in the discovery of several factors that promote these cellular events, some of which have been characterized biochemically to various extents. Because of the considerable interest in understanding these cellular changes at the molecular level, we chose to produce the first thematic volume for Contemporary Topics in Molecular Immunology; the theme deals with certain regulatory factors that promote proliferation and differentiation. We have com piled contributions from numerous scientists well known for their work with several regulatory factors. In the following paragraphs, the reader will find an overview of the contents of this volume. Greene and Robb review data they have generated over the past 2-3 years with respect to characterization of hormone-specific Interleukin-2 (IL-2) recep tors on the surface of activated T cells. Their chapter traces the development of a quantitative assay for assessment of IL-2 receptors based on the preparation and use of radiolabeled IL-2 prepared biosynthetically with the aid of IL-2-pro ducer leukemic cells. The authors then describe an alternate approach, the prep aration of a monoclonal antibody previously determined to be directed against a T -cell-activation antigen. This so-called anti-Tac antibody was later found to recognize a determinant on or near the IL-2 receptor.

Interleukins in Cancer Biology responds to the growing need for credible and up-to-date information about the impact of interleukins on occurrence, development and progression of cancer. It provides reliable information about all known interleukins (38), describes recent discoveries in the field, and moreover, suggests further directions of research on the most promising aspects of this topic. The structure and presentation of the work is very understandable and clear with attention to detail maintained throughout. There are multiple illustrations throughout to help in comprehending and remembering the most important facts. . Summarizes and discusses existing facts on the impact of all known interleukins in occurrence, development, and progression of cancer Categorizes and clarifies all interleukins based on their role in cancer Contains comprehensive and exhaustive information on each molecule

The immune system recruits a wide range of molecule groups and categories, each of which has its own function, property, and structure. Among these, interleukins play a pivotal role in supporting the immune and non-immune systems of the human body. Interleukins as effective cytokines participate in different conditions such as homeostasis, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. This unique property of interleukins makes them invaluable biomarkers that can be used as important biosensors. This book is divided into three sections: “Interleukins’ Classification and Evolutionary Features”, “Autoimmune Diseases and Low Immune System”, and “Cancer and Injuries”. Chapters examine the role of various interleukins in conditions such as leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic and autoimmune diseases.

Over the last decade, cytokine research has emerged as one of the most exciting and critical fields for providing fundamental knowledge of normal and abnormal human development. Today, it is apparent that cytokines orchestrate growth from the early embryonic stage to maturity and are responsible for the normal function of virtually every organ system. Furthermore, virtually all disease states have been associated, at least in part, with cytokine aberrations. In this volume, the editors have brought together internationally known experts in the field of interleukin research to provide a comprehensive review of the biology of the interleukins and their role in both health and illness, while maintaining a balance between the basic science and clinical aspects. Cytokines: Interleukins and their Receptors should be of interest to a wide variety of researchers including clinical hematologists, oncologists, immunologists, in addition to medical and PhD students and researchers with an interest in cytokines.

The Cytokines of the Immune System catalogs cytokines and links them to physiology and pathology, providing a welcome and hugely timely tool for scientists in all related fields. In cataloguing cytokines, it lists their potential for therapeutic use, links them to disease treatments needing further research and development, and shows their utility for learning about the immune system. This book offers a new approach in the study of cytokines by combining detailed guidebook-style cytokine description, disease linking, and presentation of immunologic roles. Supplies new ideas for basic and clinical research Provides cytokine descriptions in a guidebook-style, cataloging the origins, structures, functions, receptors, disease-linkage, and therapeutic potentials Offers a textbook-style view on the immune system with the immunologic role of each cytokine

Interleukins research is a rapidly moving field of science that has reached a stage where a comprehensive volume is required. The history into the Interleukins dates back several decades with the pioneering work on endogenous pyrogen. This book deals with the numerous 'factors' of diverse biological activities identical to IL-1, and with the cloning of the genes for IL-1 and its receptor. Also covered is the growing evidence of the critical role played by IL-1 as an inflammatory mediator in a variety of disease states and the mounting hope that its pharmacological manipulation could bring great clinical benefits. This volume is a detailed survey of current findings and conveys the sense of excitement and promise surrounding the field of Interleukins research.

Interleukins are a family of proteins that regulate the maturation, diff- entiation, or activation of cells involved in immunity and inflammation, and belong to a broader family termed cytokines. Collectively these proteins are the key orchestrators of host defense and the response to tissue injury. There are currently 23 different interleukins (numbered from IL-1 to IL-23), although the full extent of the interleukin family will only become clear upon analysis of the human genome sequence. Most important, interleukins are central to the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases that involve an immune com- nent, including such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and asthma. Interleukins have also been imp- cated in other conditions, including cancer, migraine, myocardial infarction, and depression. In essence, when cells are activated by interleukins, a program of gene expression is initiated in the target cell that alters the cell’s phenotype, leading to enhanced immune reactivity, inflammation, and/or proliferation. Interleukins are therefore at the core of the cellular basis for many diseases. They are the subject of intense investigation by biomedical researchers and the targeting or use of interleukins in the clinic is proceeding apace. Approaches such as t- geting IL-4 in asthma or IL-1 in joint disease are being pursued, and it is likely that in the next 5–10 years a number of new therapies based on either inhib- ing or administering interleukins will be available.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. In the early days of the serial, the subjects of vitamins and hormones were quite distinct. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.