Kidney disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a global health problem. The kidneys are a frequent target of systemic immune and autoimmune disorders, including systemic autoimmunity and vasculitis, immune complex-related serum sickness, and complement disorders. The complex regulation between the immune system and inflammation plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease, especially in immune-related nephropathy. Cytokines released by monocytes/macrophages, including IL-17, INF-γ, TNF, and IL-6, exacerbate renal dysfunction and injury. M1 pro-inflammatory cells help to clear infections but can also promote renal injury and lead to renal fibrosis. Loss of immune homeostasis can exacerbate the adverse effects of inflammation on the kidney and lead to loss of renal function. Therefore, further understanding of immune dysregulation and inflammatory responses has the potential to develop innovative, paradigm-shifting strategies for the treatment of kidney disease. The development of novel computational tools and genomic data analysis are accelerating our understanding of the crosstalk of immunity and inflammation in kidney disease. The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a forum to explore potential and effective therapeutic targets by focusing on the role of regulatory mechanisms of immunity and inflammation in renal disease. We aim to elucidate the possible biological mechanisms of immunity and inflammation in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. We welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles, including but not limited to the following: (1) The role of immune regulation of inflammation in immune-related nephropathy. (2) Mechanisms of immune and inflammatory interactions in hypertensive nephropathy. (3) Emerging novel cytokines and immune markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of membranous nephropathy. (4) Pathogenetic mechanism of inflammation in chronic kidney disease. (5) Influence of chemokines and chemokine receptors on inflammation in kidney disease.

Based on the Oxford Textbook of Clinical Nephrology and companion to the Oxford Handbook of Dialysis, this handbook provides clear information and practical advice about the day-to-day management of patients with renal disease.

This book systemically presents the latest research on renal fibrosis, covering all the major topics in the field, including the possible mechanisms, biomarkers, and strategies for prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to its high prevalence, CKD represents a huge global economic and social burden. Irrespective of the initial causes, CKD progresses to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) due to renal fibrosis, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, tubule atrophy and atresia, and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the kidney. Unfortunately, an estimated 1%-2% of the adult population living with CKD will need renal replacement therapy at some point as a result of ESKD. As such, strategies for preventing or slowing CKD progression to ESKD are of utmost importance, and studies aiming to understand the mechanisms of renal fibrosis have been the focus of intensive research. Recently, novel insights into the pathophysiological processes have furthered our understanding of the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, and more importantly, promoted studies on the early diagnosis and treatment of CKD. This book draws lessons from the extensive, state-of-the-art research in this field, elaborating the new theories and new techniques to offer readers a detailed and comprehensive understanding of renal fibrosis and as well as inspiration for future research directions.

Known worldwide, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease that affects up to 4% of the population with increasing figures also in the developing countries. Life expectancy of patients affected by CKD is shortened compared to the overall population, and only a minority of patients reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with the need for dialysis or renal transplantation; death overtakes dialysis. In the 13 chapters, this book sheds light on the different aspects related to pathophysiology and clinical aspects of CKD, providing interesting insights into not only inflammation and cardiovascular risk but also the interplay of hormones and the functional aspects of endothelial function. In addition, chapters dealing with genetic aspects of polycystic kidney disease and also the clinical handling of patients with CKD and peritoneal dialysis will be beneficial for the open-minded reader.

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.

It is only during the last decade that the functions of sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, pit cells and other intrahepatic lymphocytes have been better understood. The development of methods for isolation and co-culturing various types of liver cells has established that they communicate and cooperate via secretion of various intercellular mediators. This monograph summarizes multiple data that suggest the important role of cellular cross-talk for the functions of both normal and diseased liver. Special features of the book include concise presentation of the majority of detailed data in 19 tables. Original schemes allow for the clear illustration of complicated intercellular relationships. This is the first ever presentation of the newly emerging field of liver biology, which is important for hepatic function in health and disease and opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

The study of neuroendocrine-immune interactions has become a highly visible and fast-growing segment of mainstream immunology. This book provides an overview of the immune system and in-depth coverage of the many different areas that make up neuroendocrine-immune research. The main emphasis is on the physiology of the processes involved, stressing an integrated approach to immunology. The text is organized in seven sections, beginning with an introduction to the immune system. Section II outlines how the central nervous system (CNS) communicates with central and peripheral lymphoid organs. Section III provides information on factors from the immune system that act as messengers to the CNS. The metabolic regulation of growth and development is discussed in Section IV. Section V examines the interactions occurring between the reproductive and immune systems. The effects of other physiologic stressors on immunity are reviewed in Section VI. Section VII considers cyclic and periodic influences on the immune system. Finally, there is a consideration of a new unifying theory for immunology. Students, researchers, clinicians, and veterinary scientists can discover new areas of interest in specific diseases and immune interactions in this novel presentation.