Chemokines are hormone-like signaling molecules secreted by cells to signal infection and guide the immune response. Following a decade of basic chemokine research, the pharmaceutical industry has now begun to exploit this crucial signaling pathway for the development of innovative drugs against AIDS, cancer, neural and autoimmune diseases. Here is the first reference focusing on these novel drug development opportunities. Opening with a general introduction on chemokine function and chemokine receptor biology, the second part covers the known implications of these signaling molecules in human diseases, such as cancer, neural disorders, and viral infection, including AIDS. The third part systematically surveys current drug development efforts at targeting individual chemokine receptors, as well as other chemokine interaction partners, including up-to-date reports from the pharmaceutical industry.

Learn all the microbiology and basic immunology concepts you need to know for your courses and exams. Now fully revised and updated, Mims' clinically relevant, systems-based approach and abundant colour illustrations make this complex subject easy to understand and remember. - Learn about infections in the context of major body systems and understand why these are environments in which microbes can establish themselves, flourish, and give rise to pathologic changes. This systems-based approach to microbiology employs integrated and case-based teaching that places the 'bug parade' into a clinical context. - Effectively review for problem-based courses with the help of chapter introductions and 'Lessons in Microbiology' text boxes that highlight the clinical relevance of the material, offer easy access to key concepts, and provide valuable review tools. - Approach microbiology by body system or by pathogen through the accompanying electronic 'Pathogen Parade' – a quickly searchable, cross-referenced glossary of viruses, bacteria and fungi - A new electronic 'Vaccine Parade' offers quick-reference coverage of the most commonly used vaccines in current clinical practice - Deepen your understanding of epidemiology and the important role it plays in providing evidence-based identification of key risk factors for disease and targets for preventative medicine. - Grasp and retain vital concepts easily, with a user-friendly colour coded format, succinct text, key concept boxes, and dynamic illustrations. - New and enhanced information reflects the growing importance of the human microbiota and latest molecular approaches - Access the complete contents on the go via the accompanying interactive eBook, with a range of bonus materials to enhance learning and retention – includes self-assessment materials and clinical cases to check your understanding and aid exam preparation.

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and associated peripheral G proteins underpin a multitude of physiological processes. The GPCRs represent one of the largest superfamilies in the human genome and are a significant target for bioactive and drug discovery programs. It is estimated that greater than 50% of all drugs, including those in development, currently target GPCRs. Many of the characterized GPCRs have known ligands; however, approximately 20% of GPCRs are described as orphan GPCRs, apparent GPCRs that share the generic high-level structure charact- istic of GPCRs but whose endogenous ligand is not known. Therefore, it is expected that the field of GPCR drug discovery and development will greatly expand in the coming years with emphasis on new generations of drugs against GPCRs with unique therapeuticuseswhichmayincludedrugssuchasallostericregulators,inverseagonists, and identification of orphan GPCR ligands. AswelearnmoreaboutthemolecularsignalingcascadesfollowingGPCRactivation, we acquire a better appreciation of the complexity of cell signaling and as a result, also acquire a vast array ofnew molecularmethods toinvestigate these andother processes. Thegeneralaimofthisbookistoprovideresearcherswitharangeofprotocolsthatmay be useful in their GPCR drug discovery programs. It is also the basis for the devel- ment of future assays in this field. Therefore, the range of topics covered and the appropriate methodological approaches in GPCR drug discovery are reflected in this book. Itisinterestingtonotethatfuturedirectionsindrugdiscoverywillrequireinput and collaboration from a plethora of fields of research. As such, this book will likely be of interest to scientists involved in such fields as molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cellular signaling, and bio-nanotechnology.

This volume, new to The Receptors series, focuses on several areas, including the birth, maturation, and structure of Chemokines; Neutrophil, Dendritic, and Lymphocyte trafficking; and Chemokine Receptors in diseases such as AIDs and lung cancer. In particular the book contains cutting-edge information ranging from basic molecular and cellular mechanisms to physiological and pathological roles of chemokines.

Cell Surface Proteases provides a comprehensive overview of these important enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of a protein as it degrades to a simpler substance. In the 1990s, an explosion of new discoveries shed light on the role of cell surface proteases and extended it beyond degradation of extracellular matrix components to include its influence on growth factors, cell signaling, and other cellular events. This volume unites the scientific literature from across disciplines and teases out unified themes of interactions between cell surface proteases and interconnecting cell surface-related systems -- including integrins and other adhesion molecules. Scientists and students involved in developmental biology, cell biology and disease processes will find this an indispensable resource.* Provides an overview of the entire field of cell surface proteases in a single volume* Presents major issues and astonishing discoveries at the forefront of modern developmental biology and developmental medicine * A thematic volume in the longest-running forum for contemporary issues in developmental biology with over 30 years of coverage

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.

GPCR Signaling in Cancer, Volume 145, the latest release in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights recent developments in the area of GPCRs and cancer biology. Chapters included in this volume cover several GPCRs and their downstream effectors as case examples to highlight their fundamental understanding and therapeutic potential. Specific chapters address the Role of GRKs and beta-arrestins in cancer, Atypical GPCRs in cancer, the Role of a chemokine receptor (CCR) 5 in cancer, Targeting G protein-coupled receptors for therapeutics in cancer, Emerging GPCR signaling pathways in cancer, and more. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a large family of cell surface receptors which are involved in nearly every cellular and physiological event. These receptors can recognize a broad array of ligands and they are targeted by nearly one third of the currently prescribed drugs including anti-cancer therapeutics.