Innovative Medicine


Book Description

This book is devoted to innovative medicine, comprising the proceedings of the Uehara Memorial Foundation Symposium 2014. It remains extremely rare for the findings of basic research to be developed into clinical applications, and it takes a long time for the process to be achieved. The task of advancing the development of basic research into clinical reality lies with translational science, yet the field seems to struggle to find a way to move forward. To create innovative medical technology, many steps need to be taken: development and analysis of optimal animal models of human diseases, elucidation of genomic and epidemiological data, and establishment of “proof of concept”. There is also considerable demand for progress in drug research, new surgical procedures, and new clinical devices and equipment. While the original research target may be rare diseases, it is also important to apply those findings more broadly to common diseases. The book covers a wide range of topics and is organized into three complementary parts. The first part is basic research for innovative medicine, the second is translational research for innovative medicine, and the third is new technology for innovative medicine. This book helps to understand innovative medicine and to make progress in its realization.




Regulatory T Cells in Health and Disease


Book Description

Regulatory T Cells in Health and Disease focuses on the mechanism by which T cells become regulatory T cells, the processes which control the number of regulatory T cells in the blood and tissue, and the ways in which regulatory T cell prevent autoimmune disease and interact with infections and cancer. - Contains contributions from leading authorities in the field of regulatory T cell biology - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field - Explores the processes which control the number of regulatory T cells in the blood and tissue, and the ways in which regulatory T cell prevent autoimmune disease and interact with infections and cancer




Mosaic of Autoimmunity


Book Description

The Mosaic of Autoimmunity: The Novel Factors of Autoimmune Diseases describes the multifactorial origin and diversity of expression of autoimmune diseases in humans. The term implies that different combinations of factors in autoimmunity produce varying and unique clinical pictures in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases. Most of the factors involved in autoimmunity can be categorized into four groups: genetic, immune defects, hormonal and environmental factors. In this book, the environmental factors are reviewed, including infectious agents, vaccines as triggers of autoimmunity, smoking and its relationship with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases. An entirely new syndrome, the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), is also included, along with other diseases that are now recognized as having an autoimmune etiopathogenesis.




Immune Biology of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation


Book Description

Immune Biology of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Models in Discovery and Translation, Second Edition once again provides clinical and scientific researchers with a deep understanding of the current research in this field and the implications for translational practice. By providing an overview of the immune biology of HSCT, an explanation of immune rejection, and detail on antigens and their role in HSCT success, this book embraces biologists and clinicians who need a broad view of the deeply complex processes involved. It then moves on to discuss the immunobiology mechanisms that influence graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), graft-versus-leukemia effect, and transplantation success. Using illustrative figures, highlighting key issues, describing recent successes, and discussing unanswered questions, this book sums up the current state of HSCT to enhance the prospects for the future. The second edition is fully revised and includes new chapters on microbiome, metabolism, kinase targets, micro-RNA and mRNA regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways in GVHD, innate lymphoid system development, recovery and function in GVHD, genetically engineered T-cell therapies, immune system engagers for GVHD and graft-versus-tumor, and hematopoietic cell transplant for tolerance induction in solid organ grafts. - Brings together perspectives from leading laboratories and clinical research groups to highlight advances from bench to the bedside - Guides readers through the caveats that must be considered when drawing conclusions from studies with animal models before correlating to clinical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) scenarios - Categorizes the published advances in various aspects of immune biology of allogeneic HSCT to illustrate opportunities for clinical applications




Neuroimmune Diseases


Book Description

A translational overview of neuroimmune diseases for neuroscientists and clinicians that clarifies the pathological mechanisms underlying neuroimmune diseases and builds a comprehensive bridge between the latest research findings and their clinical implications in daily practice. The material is presented in two steps. The first section comprises a review of the pathogenic actions of immune cells in brain diseases. Here the authors discuss the mechanisms through which immune cells disrupt the functions of nerve cells. The second section explores the ways in which the brain becomes dysfunctional due to impaired nerve cell function. Based on pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed for each clinical category. The book will be invaluable for use in clinical practice of neuroimmune diseases




Models of Protection Against HIV/SIV


Book Description

A successful vaccine for the prevention and/or immunotherapy against HIV/AIDS is one of the prominent challenges of the 21st century. To date, all human vaccine trials against this virus/disease have resulted in failure, or at best have shown very low efficacy. The scientific community dealing with HIV/AIDS has unanimously proposed a focus on basic science, with the intention of identifying correlates of protection that can serve as guides in developing and evaluating vaccine preparation. However, Nature seems to have already found several ways of dealing with infections by HIV and related primate lentiviruses, either by resisting infection or, once infected, avoiding immune damage and immunodeficiency. Models of Protection Against HIV/SIV will allow for an in-depth reflection on the perspectives for vaccine and therapy research derived from important recent studies. It will be authored by some of the most well known specialists in the field of HIV resistance/protection: including F. Barré-Sinoussi (2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine winner), B. Walker, S. Rowland-Jones, A. Telenti, M. Lederman and F. Plummer. This book is structured in a unique way, looking at three models of resistance/protection separately and then comparing the models against one another to provide its readership with a detailed examination of the research that is most predominant in the search for a vaccine. This structure presents the information in an easy-to-understand format and gives the book a cross-discipline appeal -- an important reference for those in the scientific community, medical care, public health and academia alike. Provides extensive descriptions and comparisons on the different models of protection agains HIV/AIDS Comprehensive writing and illustrations Contributors are among the most eminent specialists in the field




Microbiome and Metabolome in Diagnosis, Therapy, and other Strategic Applications


Book Description

Microbiome and Metabolome in Diagnosis, Therapy, and Other Strategic Applications is the first book to simultaneously cover the microbiome and the metabolome in relevant clinical conditions. In a pioneering fashion, it addresses not only the classic intestinal environment, but also the oral, gastric, lung, skin and vaginal microbiome that is in line with the latest investigations. Nonbacterial microbiomes, such as fungi and viruses are not overlooked, and the plasma microbiome is also discussed. As plasma, brain, placenta, tumor cells, and other sterile fluids and tissues, are increasingly recognized to potentially host a microbiome, albeit a limited one, this is a timely resource. The book's editors were fortunate to have the input of renowned collaborators from nearly all continents. This is truly an international effort that brings the latest in the field to students and professionals alike. - Provides comprehensive coverage on diagnosis, therapy, pharmacotherapy and disease prevention in context of the microbiome and metabolome - Focuses on the proposed physiological or pathological conditions - Presents an up-to-date, useful reference




Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis


Book Description

Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis provides extensive information regarding Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis (PM/DM), which is described as a heterogeneous disease complex. This book is divided into four sections: Part I (Clinical Features) covers the classification of PM/DM, details of the clinical presentation, and the disease's association with the other connective tissue disorders and malignancies. Part II (Etiology and Mechanisms) covers advances in the immunopathology and viral etiology of PM/DM along with a frequently recognized entity: inclusion body myositis. Part III (Diagnosis and Treatment) covers the histologic, muscle enzyme histochemical, electron microscopic, and resin histology features of PM/DM along with those electromyographic features that could help make a more accurate diagnosis. Part IV (Overview) summarizes the issues that may not have been clear and highlights differing and unsettled views or present available data. This text is directed to clinicians in private practice or in academic institutions concerned with PM/DM patients, including neurologists, rheumatologists, pediatricians, dermatologists, physiatrists, and neuromuscular investigators. This book is intended as well for neuromuscular pathologists who interpret muscle biopsy specimens and electromyographers who perform EMG studies to help determine the clinical diagnosis. Researchers in immunology and immunopathology of neuromuscular diseases will find discussions in this book invaluable.




Molecules to Medicine with mTOR


Book Description

Molecules to Medicine with mTOR: Translating Critical Pathways into Novel Therapeutic Strategies is a one-stop reference that thoroughly covers the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR, also known as the mammalian target of rapamycin, is a 289-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase that is ubiquitous throughout the body and has a critical role in gene transcription and protein formation, stem cell development, cell survival and senescence, aging, immunity, tissue regeneration and repair, metabolism, tumorigenesis, oxidative stress, and pathways of programmed cell death that include apoptosis and autophagy. Incorporating a translational medicine approach, this important reference highlights the basic cellular biology of mTOR pathways, presents the role of mTOR during normal physiologic function and disease, and illustrates how the mechanisms of mTOR can be targeted for current and future therapeutic treatment strategies. Coverage of mTOR signaling includes the entire life cycle of cells that impacts multiple systems of the body including those of nervous, cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, endocrine, reproductive, renal, and respiratory origin. - Covers the role of mTOR by internationally recognized expert contributors in the field. - Provides a clear picture of the complexity of mTOR signaling as well as of the different approaches that could target this pathway at various levels. - Includes analysis of the role of mTOR and in both health and disease. - Serves as an important resource for a broad audience of healthcare providers, scientists, drug developers, and students in both clinical and research settings.




Cytokines in Autoimmunity


Book Description

A review of the field of cytokines in autoimmunity written by 22 researchers suggesting diverse applications, and building on the successes of recent rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. The contributors present and review findings on arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, Sjogren's syndrome, Lupus, scleroderma, and psoriasis. The final sections concentrate on laboratory and clinical concerns working with "knockout" mice, transgenic mice, and cytokine therapy. Distributed by Chapman and Hall. CiP shows the title as Role of cytokines..... Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR