Pathogen-Derived Immunomodulatory Molecules is a book title that may require some explanation. Pathogens that are present today have evolved following a long association with man and have developed unique strategies that have been optimized by natural selection to subvert the host immunity. As we approach the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, it is appropriate to appreciate that Darwin recognized that pathogens (infections) play a significant and potent role in natural selection, encompassed by the concept “infection begets natural selection”. This book therefore examines the molecules that pathogens produce, which can modulate or usurp the functions of the immune system. The idea of using molecules from pathogens as a therapeutic is an ancient concept in medicine. Such a strategy is exemplified by vaccination, with pathogen molecules employed to induce protective immunity against the given or related species of pathogen. The following chapters explore the concept of using pathogen-derived immune modulating molecules as a therapy. In doing so, they may provide the drug cabinet of the future for treating a spectrum of unrelated disease. Herein, a range of immune modulating molecules or strategies from various pathogens is examined in one volume. The intention of the book was to have chapters addressing immunomodulating molecules from different pathogens. The range of pathogens considered includes bacteria (chapters by Williams, van Strijp and Rooijakkers), viruses (chapters by Bowie, McFadden), protozoan parasites (Aliberti), helminths (Harnett, Fallon), fungi (Sorrell) and parasitic ticks (Anguita). Chapters also address specific immunomodulatory molecules or strategies. The diversity of aspects addressed in the book is highlighted by Lucas and colleagues review of the ‘saga’ of viral serine proteinase inhibitors, with a focus on Serp-1, the first new generation of pathogen immunomodulatory molecule currently in clinical trials. While Elliott and Weinstock have contributed a provocative chapter exploring the use of live parasitic helminth infections as a therapeutic strategy for immune-mediated diseases; indeed trials have already been completed for such an approach. With respect to pathogens usurping an immune pathway, Alcami and colleagues here reviewed the growing number of pathogens that have evolved a range of molecules that can modify many aspects of the chemokine system. This book is timely due to the need to expand the horizons of conventional drug discovery. A trend in the biopharmaceutical pipeline of fewer drugs to market is illustrated by USA FDA in 2007 approving the lowest number of new molecular entities since 1983. As the drug discovery and development industry broadens its search for new drugs to less traditional strategies, this book will be a reference to the potential for exploiting pathogen as a source of the anti-inflammatory drugs of the future. Finally, this book whets the appetite for the reader, whether in academia or industry, to explore opportunities for exploiting pathogens for the discovery of new processes in immunobiology and, ultimately, for development of new therapies for human inflammatory diseases.

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger. This report identifies innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines based on a greater understanding of how the human immune system interacts with both good and bad microbes. The report concludes that the development of a single superdrug to fight all infectious agents is unrealistic.

Dr. Paul Giacomin is a co-founder of Paragen Bio. Dr. Siracusa is the founder and president of Nemagen Discoveries. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

This book presents current understanding of the importance of modern immunology in the etiopathogenesis of human diseases and explores how this understanding is impacting on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prophylaxis. As the core of modern immunology, the “danger/injury model” is introduced and addressed throughout the book. Volume I of the book describes the network of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) and examines the central role of DAMPs in cellular stress responses and associated regulated cell death, the promotion and resolution of inflammation, the activation of innate lymphoid cells and unconventional T cells, the stimulation of adaptive immunity, and tissue repair. The significance of DAMPs in a wide range of human diseases will then be explored in Volume II of the book, with discussion of the implications of injury-induced innate immunity for present and future treatments. This book is written for professionals from all medical and paramedical disciplines who are interested in the introduction of innovative data from immunity and inflammation research into clinical practice. The readership will include practitioners and clinicians such as hematologists, rheumatologists, traumatologists, oncologists, intensive care anesthetists, endocrinologists such as diabetologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, pharmacists, and transplantologists.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of pertussis - also known as whooping cough. The first part discusses the evolution the genus Bordetellae and the molecular epidemiology of B. pertussis, while the following chapters focus on the role of B. pertussis virulence factors in infection and disease and on the mechanisms of the immune response to infection and vaccination. The book also explores the prevention and control of the disease as well as its clinical management, with the finally section addressing vaccination, from improved immunization strategies to novel vaccines. Pertussis remains one of the most poorly controlled vaccine-preventable diseases around the globe. Universal vaccination has dramatically reduced its incidence but has failed to bring it completely under control. In recent decades, changes in pertussis epidemiology have been noted, likely related to the use of acellular pertussis vaccines, which in many countries have replaced older-generation, whole-cell pertussis vaccines. Several years after their introduction, it is becoming apparent that immunity conferred by acellular vaccines wanes more rapidly than expected. Unlike whole-cell vaccines, acellular vaccines, while protecting against the disease, do not seem to prevent colonization and transmission. Increasing incidence among adolescents and adults makes them a reservoir for transmission to unimmunized infants, who in turn are at risk of severe disease and death. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in the field of medical microbiology, vaccine research and infectious diseases.