Natural Autoantibodies provides an in-depth analysis of all aspects of natural antibodies. The book examines the advantages and pitfalls of every type of technique that is widely used for detecting autoantibodies. It also covers the sequencing of human autoantibody genes, discussing how sequencing is undertaken and the genetic clues available to elucidate the genetic origins of autoimmunity. Animal models of autoimmunity are also covered, and the up-to-date account provided in this book explains how natural autoantibodies have important regulatory functions and also occasionally serve as templates for autoimmunity. Other topics examined in Natural Autoantibodies: Their Physiological Role and Regulatory Significance include idiotypes of natural autoantibodies; the pathogenic role of natural autoantibodies; and methods to measure the effects of genetic and sex hormones, as well as aging, on natural autoantibodies. The book will be an excellent research tool and reference for immunologists, rheumatologists, and others interested in the topic.

This volume illustrates the functional properties of NAbs. Authors from pioneering groups report in their chapters on the tissue homeostatic, tissue regenerating and regulatory properties of NAbs and NAbs in pooled human IgG. Scientists interested in the regulation and modulation of components of the immune system found a whole variety of NAbs to cytokines with regulatory and protective functions and NAbs that modulate, e.g., dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, B cells and granulocytes. Considering the large plasma pools and initial difficulties in preparing IVIG that does not induce adverse effects upon infusion into recipients, this volume ends with a historical chapter on how pooled human plasma was fractionated and the IgG component pretreated for a safe intravenous application.

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.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the occurrence of antibodies reacting with self-constituents of the body. The fully updated third edition of Autoantibodies is an in-depth review of the main autoantibodies identified up to now, with particular emphasis on those that display a diagnostic or prognostic clinical value. The new edition covers recent scientific advances, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic technologies. Each chapter is focused on a single family of autoantibodies. This important reference contains historical notes, definitions, origins and sources of antigens recognized genetic associations, mediated pathogenic mechanisms, methods of detection, as well as clinical utility (disease prevalence and association, diagnostic value, sensitivity and specificity, prognostic value). This is an ideal reference for anyone involved in the field of autoimmune diseases. - Presents all known, important autoantibodies in a single source, focusing on the antibodies needed for autoimmune disorder diagnosis - Includes clinical applications for each autoantibody along with general information - Organized by disease and disorder type, by autoantibody family, and completely cross-referenced

With the contribution from more than one hundred CNS neurotrauma experts, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account on the latest developments in the area of neurotrauma including biomarker studies, experimental models, diagnostic methods, and neurotherapeutic intervention strategies in brain injury research. It discusses neurotrauma mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and neurocognitive and neurobehavioral deficits. Also included are medical interventions and recent neurotherapeutics used in the area of brain injury that have been translated to the area of rehabilitation research. In addition, a section is devoted to models of milder CNS injury, including sports injuries.

This issue of Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology records the proceedings of a Workshop on the Immunology of Sili cones held at the Natcher Conference Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, March 13 and 14, 1995. A large num ber of investigators from North America and Europe met to discuss available data on how the immune system responds to silicones and related materials. Some aspects of this field are controversial. Nonetheless, the meeting was marked by a civil and open ex change of scientific information and divergent interpretations, re flecting the traditions of scientific communication. Each invited participant was asked to submit an article sum marizing his/her presentation. Most of the papers are published as submitted, with only editorial changes to conform with the guide lines given to each contributor or revisions to clarify aspects of the paper. The papers should not be regarded as peer-reviewed publi cations. This preface will attempt to outline some of the immu nological areas of investigation relating to silicones.

The introduction of monoclonal antibodies revolutionized immunology. The development of human monoclonal antibodies was inspired primarily by the enormous clinical benefits promised by these reagents which can be used as anti-inflammatory reagents, anti-tumor reagents and reagents for passive immunization in a variety of pathologies. Human Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols presents technical protocols of cellular and molecular methods for the production, purification and application of human monoclonal antibodies, as well as review articles on related topics of human monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Human Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies which will prove invaluable in a clinical setting.