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Non-canonical Autophagy: Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Implications outlines the differences between 'canonical' and 'non-canonical' forms of autophagy, highlighting the discoveries concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying these unconventional forms of autophagy and the advancements in pathophysiological features of 'non-canonical' autophagy. The book discusses all forms of 'non-canonical' autophagy and the complexity of autophagy-dependent cell death. Readers will gain a better understanding of mechanisms underlying 'non-canonical' autophagy so that they can interpret the biological effects of autophagy correctly and identify reliable, novel and effective treatment strategies. - Presents the most advanced information surrounding the molecular mechanisms underlying non-canonical autophagy - Outlines the increasing evidence regarding the involvement of non-canonical autophagy in multiple physiological and pathological processes - Discusses the therapeutic potential of autophagy modulators and the obstacles that have limited their development

Amphioxus Immunity: Tracing the Origin of Human Immunity covers a remarkable range of information about Amphioxus and its evolutionary context. This compilation of what is currently known about Amphioxus, with a sharp focus on its immune system, includes 13 topics, such as: - Amphioxus as a model for understanding the evolution of vertebrates - basic knowledge of immunology - immune organs and cells of amphioxus - a genomic and transcriptomic view of the Amphioxus immunity - pattern recognition system in Amphioxus - transcription factors in Amphioxus - the complement system of Amphioxus - the oxidative burst system in Amphioxus - immune effectors in Amphioxus - lipid signaling of immune response in Amphioxus - apoptosis in amphioxus; primitive adaptive immune system of Amphioxus - and future research directions This valuable reference book is loaded with information that will be useful for anyone who wishes to learn more about the origin of vertebrates and adaptive immunity. - Provides new evidence on the origin of the adaptive immune system, the evolution of innate immunity, and evolution-stage specific immune defense mechanisms - Not only presents the cells and molecules involved in the adaptive immune response in Amphioxus, but also characterizes the origination and evolution of the gene families and pathways involved in innate immunity - Includes much pioneering work, from the molecular, genomic, and cellular to the individual level

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant source of death and permanent disability, contributing to nearly one-third of all injury related deaths in the United States and exacting a profound personal and economic toll. Despite the increased resources that have recently been brought to bear to improve our understanding of TBI, the developme

Phagocytosis is the engulfment of particulate matter by cells. It is a fundamental (and probably “primitive”) cell biological process which is important in single celled organisms such as amoeba; multicellular animals including coelenterates; and in higher animals. In humans and other mammals, specialised immune cells (phagocytes) utilise phagocytosis in their crucial role of engulfing and destroying infecting microbes. Yet, surprisingly, the biophysics and biochemistry underlying the process has only become clear recently with the advent of genetic manipulation and advances in single cell imaging. In this volume, the aim is to bring together recent fundamental advances that give a clear picture of the underlying mechanism involved in phagocytosis. Not only is this an important topic in its own right, but a full understanding of the process will have a potential impact on human medicine, since as antibiotics become less effective in fight infection, researchers are looking at alternative approaches, including enhancing the “natural” immunity brought about by immune phagocytes. The aim is to provide a comprehensive volume on the topic, with separate chapters on identified recent advances, each written by the major contributors in each area. In addition, the volume will attempt to give a wider overview than is often the case in single author reviews, with an emphasis here on the cell biological understanding of phagocytosis using biophysical approaches alongside the biochemical and imaging approaches.

This authoritative handbook covers all aspects of immunosenescence, with contributions from experts in the research and clinical areas. It examines methods and models for studying immunosenescence; genetics; mechanisms including receptors and signal transduction; clinical relevance in disease states including infections, autoimmunity, cancer, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, frailty and osteoporosis; and much more.