Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not been able to completely elucidate the genetic background of complex diseases. Part of it could lie in repetitive sequences not studied in the GWAS, as those corresponding to Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs). In the present work, we aim to review the potential role of HERVs in the etiology of autoimmune diseases, especially in multiple sclerosis (MS); their potential pathogenic role and their putative consideration as a good target for new treatments. For this purpose, we carried out an in-depth literature review on HERVs, and we integrated our previous findings about HERV-W, HERV-K18, and HERV-Fc1 and MS susceptibility. The study was carried out by a systematic search from electronic databases using the keywords "HERV," "Multiple sclerosis," "HERV-W," "MSRV," "HERV-K," "HERV-Fc1," and "GNbAC1."

Surveys the biotechnologically influenced advances in the understanding of systemic autoimmune disorders, highlighting recent research using cell biology and biochemistry, the cloning of immune cells, recombinant DNA, and molecular genetics. Among the topics are the role of complement in inflammatio

Science never solves apr oblem without creating ten more Geor ge Bernard Shaw How prophetic the above words prove to be when applied to the advances of 20th century medicine. Prior to Banting and Best, chnicians were unaware of the ravages of diabetes, patients simply wasted away and died. Following the purifica tion of insulin, clinicians now had to deal with diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neph ropathy and all the other complications of long-term diabetes. A little over 50 years ago, the first successful human kidney transplant was performed in Boston. The first 30 years of the experience had successes when compared to the alternative but were a constant struggle to get even 50% of the grafts from deceased donors to survive more than a year. However, the science continued to advance knowledge of the immune response. With this came more and increasingly powerful tools for the clinician. Suddenly, success rates of 80-90% at one year were attainable. With this success came new problems, new complications and clinicians now had to worry about the long-term consequences of their therapy as patients were surviving with functional grafts for extended periods. A particular infectious complication evolved with the application of ever more powerful immunosuppressant drugs. Astute clinicians noted that occasionally cellular rejections seemed to get worse with steroids. Despite their best efforts and the use of powerful drugs, patients lost their grafts to overwhelming interstitial infiltrates not seen before.

The book Recent Advances in the Biology, Therapy and Management of Melanoma brings up-to-date information regarding a number of aspects which culminate in illuminating potential targets in the fight against melanoma. This book is intended to be a reference book for both the scientific and clinical communities and brings complicated subject matter together in an easy, readable way. Undoubtedly fundamental scientific understanding has to then be translated to the clinic in order for us to make significant strides in eradicating melanoma. It is hoped that scientists, clinicians, students and residents find this book useful in their studies on melanoma and that it not only expands their perspectives and views on the field, but challenges them to forge ahead towards discovering the ultimate cure.

HIV and the New Viruses presents cutting-edge reviews of persistent human virus infections as a coherent collection for the first time. These cover recently discovered viruses such as HHV-6, HHV-8 and HCV, as well as the latest research on HIV. This comprehensive and updated reference includes an in-depth study of the major issues in the epidemiology, pathogenicity, molecular virology, host responses and management of conditions associated with those viruses. Information on new pharmaceuticals and vaccine developments is also included. Edited by the leading experts in the field, HIV and the New Viruses will be essential reading for postgraduates, clinicians and researchers in virology, immunology, cancer, molecular biology and the pharmaceutical industry. Presents cutting-edge reviews of persistent human virus infections as a coherent collection for the first time Includes an in-depth study of the major issues in the epidemiology, pathogenicity, molecular virology, host responses, and management of conditions associated with those viruses

The extraordinary role of viruses in evolution and how this is revolutionising biology and medicine.