This massive reference thoroughly analyzes the mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma, such as T helper lymphocyte subsets, and the consequences of various extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and IgE receptor expression-reviewing current concepts in immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of this and other allergic diseases. Investigates the only category of treatment showing the potential to affect the natural course of allergic diseases and prevent the onset of asthma. Written by more than 80 internationally renowned pulmonary experts, allergic disease specialists, and basic researchers, Immunotherapy in Asthma discusses the efficacy of new medications examines the role of metachromatic cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and other cell types present in bronchial biopsies presents basic topics such as the functional and phenotypic properties of Th1 and Th2 cells and their role in allergic disease and the regulation of IgE-mediated inflammatory responses addresses the deleterious effects of smoking and passive exposure to cigarette smoke in children and adults assesses differences and similarities between intrinsic and antigen-induced asthma describes the effects of immunogenic peptides on the cytokine production profile of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells explains the different clinical aspects of allergic responses, such as bronchial hyperreactivity and eosinophilic inflammation of the airways reviews the genetic basis of allergy, as well as risk factors for asthma explores oral, sublingual, local nasal, and local bronchial routes for noninjective immunotherapies evaluates various agents with modulatory effects on normal and pathogenic immune responses focuses on strategies for the prevention of childhood asthma and more! Containing over 3000 references, drawings, and tables, Immunotherapy in Asthma is an indispensable resource for pulmonologists, immunologists, allergists, and medical school students in these disciplines.

Principles of Immunopharmacology provides a unique source of essential knowledge on the immune response, its diagnosis and its modification by drugs and chemicals. The 4th edition of this internationally recognized textbook has been revised to include recent developments, but continues the established format, dealing with four related fields in a single volume, thus obviating the need to refer to several different textbooks. The first section of the book, providing a basic introduction to immunology and its relevance for human disease, has been updated to accommodate new immunological concepts, particularly the role of epigenetics and the latest understanding of cancer immunology. The second section on immunodiagnostics offers a topical description of widely used molecular techniques and a new chapter on imaging techniques. This is followed by a systematic coverage of drugs affecting the immune system, including natural products. This third section contains 15 updated chapters, covering classical immunopharmacological topics such as anti-asthmatic, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressive drugs, but also deals with antibiotics, plant-derived and dietary agents, with new chapters on monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapy in sepsis and infection, drugs for soft-tissue autoimmunity and cell therapy. The book concludes with a chapter on immunotoxicology and drug safety tests. Aids to the reader include a two-column format, glossaries of technical terms and appendix reference tables. The emphasis on illustrations is maintained from the first three editions. The book is a valuable single reference for undergraduate and graduate medical and biomedical students, postgraduate chemistry and pharmacy students, researchers in chemistry, biochemistry and the pharmaceutical industry and researchers lacking basic immunological knowledge, who want to understand the actions of drugs on the immune system.

This volume provides protocols for mouse models of allergic diseases and guidelines for choosing a particular strains, allergen, adjuvant, and route of sensitization. Chapters detail types of allergic disease, methods that are frequently employed to analyze pathophysiology of allergic diseases, manipulation of intestinal microbiota, and desensitization of immure responses in animal models. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Animal Models of Allergic Disease: Methods and Protocols aims to offer a comprehensive collection of protocols and experience-derived instructions to further allergic disease research.

Easy to understand and easy to use, this essential book reflects the rapid progress in one of the most intriguing fields of medicine. It offers state-of-the-art information on basic immunology, fetal-neonatal immunology, and many more fascinating areas.

­When you need a quick consult, turn to The Washington ManualTM Subspecialty Consult Series Prepared by specialty residents, fellows and staff in the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, and reviewed by attending physicians in each field—each volume in this renowned series delivers the on-the-spot help you need to provide quality patient management. Right from the initial chapter, you’ll learn how to take a patient history, how to interpret exam findings, what tests to order, how to complete the workup, and how to formulate an effective management plan. The Second Edition of this dynamic quick reference continues to provide the practical, stepwise guidance you’ve come to trust from The Washington ManualTM and has been fully updated to include the most current diagnostic tests, workup tips, drugs and other therapeutic interventions available. · Coverage of inpatient and outpatient approaches features the same front-line practicality as The Washington ManualTM of Medical Therapeutics · Symptom- and disease-oriented sections address both chronic and acute problems to prepare you for any scenario · Essential clinical information on commonly encountered problems including diagnosis and management of drug allergy, anaphylaxis, asthma, immunotherapy, and immunodeficiency at your fingertips · Useful appendixes provide a hands-on review of drugs commonly used in the treatment of allergy and asthma, as well as lab values for selected immunologic tests and a sample schedule for perennial aqueous therapy · Key points to remember in each chapter deliver vital diagnostic and treatment information NEW to the Second Edition... · Updated content reflects the latest clinical advances and practice standards · New formatting follows consistent subheadings to make key facts easier to find · New chapters detail the latest diagnostic criteria, testing, and treatment options Don’t miss the other titles in this series... Cardiology Endocrinology General Internal Medicine Hematology and Oncology Infectious Diseases Nephrology Pulmonary Medicine Rheumatology The Washington ManualTM is a registered mark belonging to Washington University in St. Louis to which international legal protection applies. The mark is used in this publication by LWW under license from Washington University.

This highly practical, easy-to-read, fully updated and expanded resource offers a wide range of targeted guidelines and insights in allergy medicine. Written by a leading allergy clinician -- along with a renowned group of nationally recognized expert contributors in allergy and immunology, pulmonary, and infectious diseases -- this title is a proven resource for front-line general practitioners, especially primary care physicians. The most clinically relevant information is provided on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of all major allergic disorders. Each chapter has a section on “Evidence-Based Medicine” that introduces one to two recent research publications on the subject, and several chapters have been written by new authors. Covering the entire scope of adult and pediatric allergy and asthma and organized by specific organ which guides the reader to diagnostic and therapeutic solutions quickly and easily, the book offers a wealth of outstanding illustrations, key concepts, management protocols, and updated references. An invaluable contribution to the field, Allergy and Asthma: Practical Diagnosis and Management, 2nd Edition will be of immense value not only to primary care physicians, but also to fellows in training, residents, nurses, nurse practitioners, and medical and allied health students.

This volume presents a broad selection of cutting-edge methods and tools that will enable the reader to investigate the multi-faceted manifestations of inflammation. Inflammation: Methods and Protocols is divided into four sections: the first three sections describe protocols investigating immune-mediated inflammatory disease models affecting barrier organs to the environment; the skin, the lung, and the intestinal and oral mucosa. The fourth section illustrates inflammatory disease models of the brain, joints, and vasculature. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Inflammation: Methods and Protocols aims to inspire the experienced investigator and the young experimenter alike to disentangle the fascinating process of inflammation.