Compiling an up-to-date and detailed survey of the role cytokines play in cell-to-cell communication, development, and differentiation, this comprehensive reference highlights the medical advantages of cytokine inhibition and pursues novel methods of discovery for more potent and specific blocking agents. Investigates the pathogenic role of cytokines and the potential of cytokine inhibitors as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral agents! Written by 25 recognized experts revealing recent breakthroughs in research, Cytokine Inhibitors illustrates cases of naturally produced or in vitro engineered polypeptide cytokine blocking agents describes all possible approaches to cytokine inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors, engineered mutant cytokines, and small-molecular-weight receptor antagonists and signaling inhibitors clearly explains the homeostatic function of cytokine inhibition and verifies therapeutic approaches effecting natural responses in organisms discusses the results of clinical trials and therapeutic applications of first-generation recombinant receptor antagonists, such as the potential of tumor necrosis factor antagonists as prominent tools in the therapy of chronic inflammatory conditions concentrates on the clinical development of second-generation small-molecular-weight, orally bioavailable cytokine inhibitors reviews the improved understanding of intracellular signaling pathways, the structural determinants responsible for cytokine-receptor interaction lists the three-dimensional structure, relevant receptors, and intracellular tyrosine kinases of cytokines and much more! Containing over 1400 references as well as tables and drawings, Cytokine Inhibitors serves as an exemplary reference for basic and clinical immunologists; allergists; biochemists; pathologists, hematologists; experimental, cell, and molecular biologists; rheumatologists; infectious disease specialists; medicinal chemists; and medical school and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Cytokines have become established as key mediators of the signs and symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, dermatitis, asthma and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, they are involved in the cascade of events leading to cardiovascular shock and are major regulators of the function of immune cells. This book reviews recent advances in the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. It addresses different therapeutic intervention possibilities for new drugs, such as the cellular source of cytokines, specific receptors which induce cytokine synthesis, intracellular regulators of cytokine gene induction and expression, secretion and activation of cytokines, cytokine receptors and signalling pathways from these receptors. Accordingly, experts were drawn from different backgrounds including academic research institutes, the pharmaceutical industry and clinical pharmacology. In each area, the opportunities for drug development are highlighted and, where possible, clinical data is reviewed.

Compiling an up-to-date and detailed survey of the role cytokines play in cell-to-cell communication, development, and differentiation, this comprehensive reference highlights the medical advantages of cytokine inhibition and pursues novel methods of discovery for more potent and specific blocking agents. Investigates the pathogenic role of

Compiling an up-to-date and detailed survey of the role cytokines play in cell-to-cell communication, development, and differentiation, this comprehensive reference highlights the medical advantages of cytokine inhibition and pursues novel methods of discovery for more potent and specific blocking agents. Investigates the pathogenic role of cytokines and the potential of cytokine inhibitors as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral agents! Written by 25 recognized experts revealing recent breakthroughs in research, Cytokine Inhibitors illustrates cases of naturally produced or in vitro engineered polypeptide cytokine blocking agents describes all possible approaches to cytokine inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors, engineered mutant cytokines, and small-molecular-weight receptor antagonists and signaling inhibitors clearly explains the homeostatic function of cytokine inhibition and verifies therapeutic approaches effecting natural responses in organisms discusses the results of clinical trials and therapeutic applications of first-generation recombinant receptor antagonists, such as the potential of tumor necrosis factor antagonists as prominent tools in the therapy of chronic inflammatory conditions concentrates on the clinical development of second-generation small-molecular-weight, orally bioavailable cytokine inhibitors reviews the improved understanding of intracellular signaling pathways, the structural determinants responsible for cytokine-receptor interaction lists the three-dimensional structure, relevant receptors, and intracellular tyrosine kinases of cytokines and much more! Containing over 1400 references as well as tables and drawings, Cytokine Inhibitors serves as an exemplary reference for basic and clinical immunologists; allergists; biochemists; pathologists, hematologists; experimental, cell, and molecular biologists; rheumatologists; infectious disease specialists; medicinal chemists; and medical school and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Within the past few years, it has become recognized that the immune system communicates to the brain. Substances released from activated immune cells (cytokines) stimulate peripheral nerves, thereby signaling the brain and spinal cord that infection/inflammation has occurred. Additionally, peripheral infection/inflammation leads to de novo synthesis and release of cytokines within the brain and spinal cord. Thus, cytokines effect neural activation both peripherally and centrally. Through this communication pathway, cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor markedly alter brain function, physiology and behavior. One important but underrecognized aspect of this communication is the dramatic impact that immune activation has on pain modulation. The purpose of this book is to examine, for the first time, immune-to-brain communication from the viewpoint of its effect on pain processing. It is aimed both at the basic scientist and health care providers, in order to clarify the major role that substances released by immune cells play in pain modulation. This book contains chapters contributed by all of the major laboratories focused on understanding how cytokines modulate pain. These chapters provide a unique vantage point from which to examine this question, as the summarized work ranges from evolutionary approaches across diverse species, to the basics of the immune response, to the effect of cytokines on peripheral and central nervous system sites, to therapeutic potential in humans.

Cytokine Storm Syndromes, including HLH and MAS, are frequently fatal disorders, particularly if not recognized early and treated during presentation. The genetics of Cytokine Storm Syndromes are being defined with many of the risk alleles giving rise to mutations in the perforin-mediated cytolytic pathway used by CD8 cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. These are being studied using murine models. Up to 10% of the general population may carry risk alleles for developing Cytokine Storm Syndromes, and Cytokine Storm Syndromes are being increasingly recognized around the world in pediatric and adult hospitals. A variety of infectious, rheumatic, and oncologic triggers are commonly associated with Cytokine Storm Syndromes, but understanding this disorder is critical for all researchers and physicians to ensure timely and appropriate therapy. This textbook, the first of its kind, addresses all aspects of the disorder – from genetics, pathophysiology, and ongoing research, to clinical presentations, risk factors, and treatment.