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.

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.

Antibodies—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ book that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Monoclonal Antibodies. The editors have built Antibodies—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Monoclonal Antibodies in this book to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Antibodies—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

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

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.

Human red blood cells are formed mainly in the bone marrow and are believed to have an average life span of approximately 120 days. However, is it true for all red blood cells? What are the changes associated with red cell maturation, adulthood and senescence? What are the determinants of red cell life span and clearance? What are the mechanisms in control of red cell mass in healthy humans and patients with various forms of anemia? What are the markers of circulating red cell senescence and in cells during storage and transfusion? Within the life span may properties of red cells change leading to age-mixed circulating cell populations. Although these cells appear to be genetically terminated by the time they are released into the blood stream, they undergo surprisingly versatile modifications depending on the life-style and health conditions of a “human host”. Numerous disorders are believed to be associated with facilitated ageing of red blood cells. “In vitro ageing” and damage of red blood cells during storage is yet one more important issue related to the risks and efficiency of blood transfusion. Many of the mechanisms behind such effects are far from being fully understood. In this context the Research Topic is set to include articles in the field of biochemical investigations, biophysical approaches, physiological and clinical studies related to red blood cell maturation and aging. This includes Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis and Theory, Reviews and Perspectives.