The prevention and control of infectious diseases represents, even today, an important public health problem for responsible national and international authorities. Newly emerging p.athogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) , legionella, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have captured current public awareness. Despite significant success against smallpox, polio myelitis, mumps, and measles, the vast majority of infectious diseases are yet to be satisfactorily controlled. Limited efficacy of some vaccines, e. g., against influenza viruses, or their nonavailability have hampered an effective control of many infections. A meaningful reduction of the health risks posed by microbial pathogens is of crucial importance. Increased efforts need to be exerted in areas of active and passive immunization as well as in stimulation of enhanced nonspecific resistance .. Progress in the field of infectious diseases can be accelerated when a generation of new improved vaccines are developed. These vaccines should be capable of activat ing the cellular and the humoral immune responses as well as inducing persistent immunological memory. Development of novel regimens for enhancing natural resistance against infections is also progressively gaining in importance. The urgency increases as chemotherapy against viral and other infections further continues to be plagued by a carousel of a limited number of licensed drugs, problems of side effects, and development of drug resistance. It is becoming expedient that future strategies embrace a policy directed towards triggering mechanisms capable of inducing specific and nonspecific host defences.

The prevention and control of infectious diseases represents, even today, an important public health problem for responsible national and international authorities. Newly emerging p.athogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) , legionella, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have captured current public awareness. Despite significant success against smallpox, polio myelitis, mumps, and measles, the vast majority of infectious diseases are yet to be satisfactorily controlled. Limited efficacy of some vaccines, e. g., against influenza viruses, or their nonavailability have hampered an effective control of many infections. A meaningful reduction of the health risks posed by microbial pathogens is of crucial importance. Increased efforts need to be exerted in areas of active and passive immunization as well as in stimulation of enhanced nonspecific resistance .. Progress in the field of infectious diseases can be accelerated when a generation of new improved vaccines are developed. These vaccines should be capable of activat ing the cellular and the humoral immune responses as well as inducing persistent immunological memory. Development of novel regimens for enhancing natural resistance against infections is also progressively gaining in importance. The urgency increases as chemotherapy against viral and other infections further continues to be plagued by a carousel of a limited number of licensed drugs, problems of side effects, and development of drug resistance. It is becoming expedient that future strategies embrace a policy directed towards triggering mechanisms capable of inducing specific and nonspecific host defences.

This book highlights information derived primarily from clinical samples, with particular reference to theoretical and scientific aspects of the human immune system. This text will focus on topics that range from host-pathogen interactions in infectious disease to host immune response in cancer, allergic diseases, neuroinflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders. The reader will also have a well-rounded understanding of the behavior of the immune system with particular emphasis on the role of immunoproteomics in immunotherapy, neuroprotective immunity for neurodegenerative and neuroinfectious disease, leukemia-associated dendritic cell induction of adaptive immunity dysregulation, and the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer, infection, as well as neuroinflammation. Taken together, the contents of this book are intended for both clinicians and researchers in academia and industry.

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.

Leading experts provide the only comprehensive book examining all aspects of immune response and immune-based treatments for HIV infection. Contributions, divided into three sections, discuss basic mechanisms, immunopathogenesis of HIV infection, and immune-based therapies. Researchers thoroughly review vaccine-including prospects of T cell vaccine-and gene therapy for HIV infection. Additional topics include organization of HIV genes, the role of co-receptors in signaling of lymphocytes, and biological response modifiers. This reference is designed for basic and clinical researchers, internists, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, neuropathologists, oncologists, and rheumatologists.

In Immunotherapy for Infectious Disease, Jeffrey M. Jacobson, MD, and a panel of leading researchers review the state-of-the-art for treating various infections-particularly HIV-by manipulating the immune system's response rather than by chemical drugs. The contributors synthesize the principles of immune defense on the molecular level (monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, methods of antigen presentation, and cytokines and cytokine antagonists), as well as on the cellular and clinical levels levels as a protection against infection. The review of the current state of anti-HIV immunotherapy covers HIV-specific passive and active immunization strategies, gene therapy, and host cell-targeted approaches for treating HIV infection and restoring immune function.

This comprehensive account of the human herpesviruses provides an encyclopedic overview of their basic virology and clinical manifestations. This group of viruses includes human simplex type 1 and 2, Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, HHV6A, 6B and 7, and varicella-zoster virus. The viral diseases and cancers they cause are significant and often recurrent. Their prevalence in the developed world accounts for a major burden of disease, and as a result there is a great deal of research into the pathophysiology of infection and immunobiology. Another important area covered within this volume concerns antiviral therapy and the development of vaccines. All these aspects are covered in depth, both scientifically and in terms of clinical guidelines for patient care. The text is illustrated generously throughout and is fully referenced to the latest research and developments.