The Antibody Molecule reviews the literature leading to current knowledge of the structure of immunoglobulins. The book begins by outlining some of the basic structural characteristics of immunoglobulins without citing the references on which the information is based. Separate chapters follow covering the chemical nature of the active site of an antibody molecule and mechanisms of interaction with hapten; the general structural features and properties of the various classes of human immunoglobulin; and amino acid sequences of human and mouse L chains and of human and rabbit H chains. Subsequent chapters deal with the evolution of the immunoglobulin classes; special properties of mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, and horse immunoglobulins; idiotypic specificities of immunglobulins; and the genetic control of antibodies. This book is meant for immunologists who have not personally observed the development of this exciting period in the history of immunology. It will also provide useful supplemental reading for the serious student or investigator who wishes to become familiar with the nature of the antibody molecule, its genetic control, and mode of action.

The Antigens, Volume VI is a comprehensive treatise covering all aspects of antigens, including their chemistry and biology as well as their immunologic role and expression. Parasite antigens and their immunogenicity in infected hosts are explored, along with the nature of the antibody-combining site and the phenomenon of immunological tolerance. Comprised of three chapters, this volume begins with a discussion on the dynamic aspects of the function of antibodies, paying particular attention to the structure of immunoglobulins and the folding of their domains; the dynamics of segmental flexibility; the kinetics of antibody-hapten association and the kinetic expression of elementary interaction; and the conformational transitions within the antibody molecule induced by hapten binding. The next chapter focuses on the immunogenicity of parasite antigens in infected hosts, citing such parasites as trypanosomes, Schistosoma mansoni, and Fasciola hepatica. The last chapter deals with immunological tolerance, its induction and duration, and its effect on the specificity of the immune response. This monograph will be of interest to practitioners and researchers in immunology, experimental and clinical medicine, biochemistry, and other disciplines.

This volume addresses fundamental questions concerning the immunological genesis of the catalytic activity in antibodies, its relationship with classical antigen binding activity, and the biochemical mechanisms involved in catalysis. The contents reflect three main challenges in the field, i.e. to delineate the biological functions of catalytic antibodies in autoimmune disease; to isolate therapy-grade antibody catalysts with sufficient specificity and turnover to permit rapid removal of microbial and tumor antigens; and to develop immunogens that recruit immature catalyst-producing B cells into the clonal selection pathway and induce adaptive improvements of the catalytic function. Well-edited and up-to-date, this book reviews the current knowledge in the field and explores ways by which natural and engineered catalytic activities can be harnessed for medical applications. It should therefore be of special interest to immunologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, rheumatologists and pathologists.

Immunoassays are among the most powerful and sensitive technologies now available for patient diagnosis and monitoring. This book is an indispensable guide to information on the theory and practice of immunoassays. It discusses the scientific basis of these technologies in a logical, organized, and heuristic manner and provides protocols for specific assays. The contents of this unique book are balanced among theory, practical issues, quality control, automation, and subspecialty areas, making it ideal for health science students, laboratory scientists, and clinicians. - Presents up-to-date information - Provides extensive cross-referencing - Covers theory and practice in full detail - Written by leading authorities

The field of antibody engineering has become a vital and integral part of making new, improved next generation therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, of which there are currently more than 300 in clinical trials across several therapeutic areas. Therapeutic antibody engineering examines all aspects of engineering monoclonal antibodies and analyses the effect that various genetic engineering approaches will have on future candidates. Chapters in the first part of the book provide an introduction to monoclonal antibodies, their discovery and development and the fundamental technologies used in their production. Following chapters cover a number of specific issues relating to different aspects of antibody engineering, including variable chain engineering, targets and mechanisms of action, classes of antibody and the use of antibody fragments, among many other topics. The last part of the book examines development issues, the interaction of human IgGs with non-human systems, and cell line development, before a conclusion looking at future issues affecting the field of therapeutic antibody engineering. - Goes beyond the standard engineering issues covered by most books and delves into structure-function relationships - Integration of knowledge across all areas of antibody engineering, development, and marketing - Discusses how current and future genetic engineering of cell lines will pave the way for much higher productivity