The functional anatomy of organisms is maintained by the coordination of different systems, that often rely on particular interactions between specialized cells and between macromolecules. The immune system works with the circulatory and the lymphatic systems to protect most of the organs. However, some organs are considered immune privileged due to the presence of highly selective and regulated barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) within the brain. The BBB controls periphery-brain molecule exchange and prevents immune effector cells from entering the homeostatic brain. BBB-associated elements, such as endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and microglia, potentially can function as antigen-presenting cells (APC). Pathological scenarios that induce dysfunction of the BBB and its associated cells may lead to the infiltration of lymphocytes crossing over from the blood to brain. Similarly, traumas can also enable B and T lymphocytes to pass bidirectionally between the CNS and the periphery, via the meningeal lymphatic vessels which drain into the cervical lymph nodes. Research in animals and in humans has revealed that B and T cells are involved in the progression of neurological diseases. It has been showed that under particular conditions, T cells establish themselves and become resident in the brain (T RM cells), from where they can either exert beneficial or detrimental effects on brain function. Amazing efforts have been made to further comprehend interactions between brain-specific cells and peripheral immune cells, and especially their roles and impact on the onset, progression, and eventual resolution of diverse brain pathologies.

Immunology has developed quite impressively over the past decade and perhaps very few fields in medicine or biology have grown so explosively. Completely new fields have been elucidated in depth. We recall only the definition of the nature and function of RLA antigens at the molecular level. the chemical and functional identification of several cytokines. and the correlation to particular immunological functions of specific epitopes present on cellular mem branes. The extensive application of immunological techniques and concepts to the neurological sciences has led to the development of neuroimmunology. a disci pline in its infancy until few years ago. In these last years. neuroimmunology has developed researches in various fields. RLA antigens were studied at the cellular level in brain samples and in CSF cells in several diseases. Cytokines. such as interleukin 1 and 2. gamma- and alpha-interferons. and tumor necrosis factor alpha. were studied at the immunohistological level and with quantitative methods in serum and CSF. With these data. new relevant insights were obtained on the molecular mechanisms underlying CNS immunological diseases. Moreover. neuroimmunological researches were carried on through the development of new and more 'specific' technologies for the study of natural and experimental diseases. the most important of which seem to be. at present. the techniques of cell cultures for cell lines specific to the CNS (oligodendrocytes. astroglia. microglia. meningeal cells. brain capillary cells and tumor cells).

This comprehensive, up-to-date book is designed to make recent developments in neuroimmunology accessible to medical professionals in the field. The field of neuroimmunology is complex and rapidly evolving, especially with the current improvements in targeted biologic therapies. This resource concisely offers clear explanations of these scientific and clinical advancements. Divided into five parts, the book begins with an in-depth introduction to neuroimmunology and the principles of immunotherapy. Section two consists of eight chapters devoted to multiple sclerosis, including discussions on the clinical features of the disease as well as symptom management and diagnosis. Subsequent chapters then dive into other central nervous system inflammatory disorders such as neuromyelitis optica, autoimmune encephalopathies, and immunological aspects of cancer. Following this are two chapters that examine distinct aspects of autoimmune disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Finally, the book closes with a review on the neurologic manifestations, diagnostic approaches and treatments of the various systemic rheumatic diseases. Following its successful predecessor edition, Clinical Neuroimmunology: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Second Edition is positioned to be an invaluable asset to neurologists, residents and fellows, internists, and general practitioners who treat patients with neurologic disorders and other systemic autoimmune diseases.

The recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed societies and research around the world. As such, this new book examines the latest developments in the field of neuroscience related to these changes. It includes six chapters in two sections: “COVID-19 Effects: Neurology, Neuroimmunology, Neurogenesis” and “Molecular and Cellular Neurochemistry.” The first section includes chapters that address such topics as COVID’s effect on adult neurogenesis, neurological manifestations of COVID-19, and COVID-19 and seizures. Chapters in the second section discuss peripheral biomarkers in multiple sclerosis, amino acids as neurotransmitters, advancements in RNA sequencing technologies, and more.

Clinical Neurimmunology is the major reference text in the field, providing broad and comprehensive coverage of the interaction between the nervous and immune systems in both normal and diseased states. Understanding this interaction is fundamental to developing therapeutic approaches to disease and injury of the nervous system that are currently only marginally amenable to therapy. Neuroimmunology is a well-recognised and growing specialty world wide, both at the basic science and clinical level. It is a fast moving field and this is the most up to date text available. Chapters are dedicated to the role of the immune system in disorders affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems, including important neurodegenerative diseases (such as multiple sclerosis and HIV-related neural degeneration) which cause life-long disability. Extensive coverage is given to a whole array of immune-directed therapies. The book has a strong international team of well respected, high profile editors and authors. The first edition published to extensive and positive reviews and has established itself as the principal reference source in the field. This second edition summarizes recent advances in clinical neuroimmunology in a comprehensive and unbiased way.

Pathbreaking research offers new hope for treating brain diseases and injuries and for maintaining brain health even into old age In the past, the brain was considered an autonomous organ, self-contained and completely separate from the body's immune system. But over the past twenty years, neuroimmunologist Michal Schwartz, together with her research team, not only has overturned this misconception but has brought to light revolutionary new understandings of brain health and repair. In this book Schwartz describes her research journey, her experiments, and the triumphs and setbacks that led to the discovery of connections between immune system and brain. Michal Schwartz, with Anat London, also explains the significance of the findings for future treatments of brain disorders and injuries, spinal cord injuries, glaucoma, depression, and other conditions such as brain aging and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Scientists, physicians, medical students, and all readers with an interest in brain function and its relationship to the immune system in health and disease will find this book a valuable resource. With general readers in mind, the authors provide a useful primer to explain scientific terms and concepts discussed in the book.