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 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.

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.

The fourth edition of The Cytokine Handbook provides an encyclopedic coverage of the molecules that induce and regulate immune responses. Now expanded to two volumes, co-edited by Michael T Lotze, and written by over 120 international experts, the scope of the book has been broadened to include a major emphasis on the clinical applications of cytokines. The early chapters discuss individual cytokines, chemokines and receptors. Additional chapters discuss the clinical implications and applications of cytokines, including cytokine gene transfer, antisense therapy and assay systems. This book is essential for researchers and clinicians interested in cytokines, including anyone working in cancer biology, transplantation, infectious diseases, autoimmunity or bioinformatics. Key Features* Covers all main cytokines and chemokines * Written by experts* Up-to-date- includes detailed referencing accessing current, modern literature and reflects the newest findings from the human genome * The new edition has been thoroughly revised and extended (now 2 volumes) as compared to the last edition, including new co-editor (MTL), new authors, new hot topics and new chapters* Includes major emphasis on clinical applications* Extensively illustrated with tables and figures

At the time of the first edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy in 1987, this book represented the first comprehensive textbook on biological therapy. In 1991, when the second edition was published, there was still some doubt on the part of many oncologists and cancer researchers as to the therapeutic value of these new approaches. By 2003 and the fourth edition, it was generally agreed that biopharmaceuticals were producing major opportunities for new cancer therapies. Cancer biotherapy has now truly matured into the fourth modality of cancer treatment. This fifth revised edition describes the tremendous progress that has been made in recent years using biologicals in cancer treatment. This book summarizes an evolving science and a rapidly changing medical practice in biotherapy. In this new millennium, it is now possible to envision a much more diversified system of cancer research and treatment that will afford greater opportunities for a patient’s personalized cancer treatment. This was first envisioned in the 1987 initial edition of this textbook and is now a “new” and popular approach to cancer treatment. Some forms of cancer biotherapy use the strategy of tumor stabilization and control through continued biological therapy, akin to the use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes. This textbook illustrates new methods of thinking and new strategies for control of cancer. It is always difficult to move from past dogma to future opportunity, but this fifth edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy illustrates why it is so important to the patients for researchers and clinicians to explore and quickly apply these new opportunities in cancer biotherapy.