Nato ASI Subseries H: – serie

For a long time, lactic acid bacteria have played an indispensable role in food production. This book provides an overview and recent findings on their genetics and biochemistry as well as possible applications. The development and use of non-pathogenic lactic acid bacteria in vaccine delivery systems for mucosal immunizations are discussed. Their role in food fermentation, their use in carbohydrate modification and key systems for proteolysis and lantibiotic production are treated in detail. Further, the transformation of organic wastes into food and fertilizers is covered. The volume contains a wealth of useful information and can serve both as an introduction to the field for beginners and as a reference book.

The meeting on "Molecular Mechanisms of Lipid and Protein Traffic", sponsored by NATO Scientific Affairs Division as an Advanced Study Institute and by the Federation of European Biochemical Societies as a Lecture Course was held in Cargese, France, in June 1997. The program included introductory lectures, specialized up-to-date contributions, poster sessions, tutorials and workshops. Emphasis was laid on the new developments in the field of membrane dynamics, in particular on the insertion and translocation of proteins; on intracellular protein, lipid and membrane traffic and sorting and on the mutual interactions between the various events occurring during membrane biogenesis. Mitochondrial biogenesis, chloroplast assembly and the insertion of proteins into peroxisomes were highlighted. Much progress in these research areas has been made in recent years and the ASI provided an excellent opportunity to illustrate this progress in comparison with previous meetings on a similar topic. Not only graduate students and postdocs took advantage from this program but also experienced scientists were given the opportunity to obtain a complete overview of recent progress and the remodeling of ideas and concepts.

Even though transmitter release and re-uptake are very complementary and physically in close proximity, researchers usually focus on only one of these two aspects. This volume, however, covers both processes and brings together two major presynaptic events in transcellular communication. It comprises 24 chapters and is divided into two parts: Part I, Neurotransmitter Release, and Part II, Neurotransmitter Uptake. The included topics range from ultrastructure and molecular control mechanisms to pathophysiology of some diseased states. Neuronal as well as non-neuronal mechanisms are treated. The concluding chapter emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a link between the events in the presynaptic terminal and behavior.

A NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Molecular Mechanisms of Signalling and Targeting" was held on the Island of Spetsai, Greece, from August 1 &--30, 1996. As a continuation of a successful tradition that began in 1978, the aim of this tenth institute was to focus on some main principles of signal transduction mechanisms, with an emphasis on GTP-binding proteins, lipid signalling mechanisms, transcription factors, and membrane transporters. By bringing experts on these diverse topics together and into contact with an outstanding group of young and eager researchers, this Institute succeeded in generating an atmosphere of learning and of intellectual creativity. Students and lecturers returned for home with a deeper understanding of the challenging problems we are facing in this field. Presentations and discussion focussed on the structure and function of heterotrimeric G- proteins and their receptors as potential targets for therapeutic drugs. This field was put into perspective by in-depth discussions on the function of the small GTP-binding proteins, Ras, 2 Rho, Rab, Arf in signal transduction and morphogenesis.Growth factor receptor, Ca + and protein kinase C signal transduction pathways were discussed as leading principles in intracellular and intercellular communication. At the core of the Institute were the wide implications of the regulation of phosphoinositide 30H-kinases (e. g. PI-3-kinase) and phospholipases C and D for cell function and the role of ceramides as modulators of stress response (apoptosis).

This is now the fourth time that protein phosphorylation has been the focus of a NATO Advanced Study Institute. The first meeting with the topic "Signal Trans­ duction and Protein Phosphorylation" was held on the island of Spezai, Greece, in September 1986. The second one took place in Chateau La Londe, France, in September 1989 on "Cellular Regulation by Protein Phosphorylation", the third one on " Tyrosine Phosphorylation/Dephosphorylation and Downstream Signaling" was in September 1992 in Maratea, Italy. The titles of these books clearly mirror the developments that have taken place in the last decade. Beginning with the recognition that protein phosphorylation is at the center of signaling -clearly established in 1990 -it became apparent that many cellular processes are regulated by this mode. A new focus then emerged when it was recognized that growth factors are bound to corresponding receptors trigger protein tyrosine phosphorylation which controls cell prolifera­ tion. This was the topic of the third meeting in this series. It is now evident that further progress depends on understanding the three dimensional structure of the proteins involved. It goes without saying, for example, that understanding the location of proteins by adaptor proteins is only possible on the basis of the three dimensional protein structure. Therefore, the fourth meeting in this series concentrated on the protein structure of signaling molecules as well as on the elucidation of the principles of protein domain interactions.

Many important cellular processes rely on posttranscriptional control of gene expression. This book describes the mechanisms of gene expression at this level that occur in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Several introductory chapters discuss the general principles of translation and mRNA stability. The interactions of mature mRNA with the translational machinery, the components of mRNA degradation and antisense RNA are surveyed. Subsequent chapters discuss protein folding, transport, modification and degradation. The book is an invaluable source of information for both newcomers and those wishing an overview of the field.

Image analysis and flow cytometry are complementary techniques which provide new insights into essential aspects of cell biology. This book presents an up-to-date overview of current ideas and methods in these domains. It consists of three parts. Part I, "Membrane Dynamics and Function", deals with adhesion molecules, membrane pump dynamics, membrane fusion and endocytosis, membrane potential, T-cell homing and cytoskeleton, etc. The second part focuses on problems of cell proliferation, chromosome analysis and sorting, apoptosis, imaging cytometry of fixed and living cells, image analysis for gene mapping from flow-sorted chromosomes, chromatin organization, and liposome-mediated delivery of DNA binding drugs. The third part covers data management systems, cell sorting techniques and microscopy.

The 11 th meeting in "Modern Trends in Human Leukemia" took place from June 19 to 21, 1994 in Wilsede in the middle of the Liineburger Heide, South of Hamburg. Interwoven with the Leukemia program was the Nato-sponsored Symposium of the ASI-Series "Gene Technology in Analysis of Malignant and Inherited Human Diseases Related to Development" . The Wilsede meeting was continued on a ship of the Neva leading through lake Ladoga and lake Onega. The topics of both meetings included discussion on recent progress isolation and development of hematopoietic stem cells, genes crucial for development and diseases, methods of gene transfer, application of gene transfer; oncogenes and anti-oncogenes as targets for gene therapy; receptors and their ligands in normal development and diseases, immunology and immunotherapy, radiation biology, clinical leukemias and bone marrow transplantation. The Nato workshop concentrated not only on analysis of cell systems useful for somatic gene therapy, but also on actual themes directly related to correction of human diseases. The latter aspects emphasized themes related to biotechnology, the first part was by nature more general. We also included a few contributions that discussed perspectives for the future of gene therapy and possible relationships to evolution.

Protein insertion and translocation, intracellular traffic and sorting of membranes and their components, and lipid-protein interactions were the main topics of the Advanced Study Institute on "Molecular Dynamics of Membranes", which was held in June 1995 in Cargese, Corsica, France. The course, co-sponsored by NATO and FEBS, was the fifth in a series that started in 1987 and takes place every two years in the Institut d'Etudes Scientifiques in Cargese. This Institute, ideally situated and fully equiped for this type of scientific meeting has greatly contributed to the great success of the courses. Of course, also the outstanding contributions of a large number of well known scientists and the enthousiastic participation of excellent graduate students and postdocs has given the "Cargese Lectures on Biomembranes" a firm reputation in the scientific community. The present proceedings is more than just a reflection on the information presented in the Course. First of all it contains a number of extensive reviews of specific areas of interest. Noteworthy are the articles dealing with: • the general mechanisms of protein transport, the roles of invariant chain in antigen presentation, protein import and export in E. coli, protein folding and the role of chaperones, chloroplast and mitochondrial protein import, • membrane traffic in general and during mitosis, and with respect to membrane lipids: lipid domain formation, lipases: an extensive review about structure and properties, phospholipase A2 and bioactive lipids, phospholipid transfer proteins, • phospholipid localization and mobility and, finally, new strategies for protein reconstitution.

With the aim of providing an international forum for the communication of both the basic and clinical aspects of molecular and cellular biology of cancer, a NATO ASl was held in Porto Carras, Halkidiki, Greece, September 1-12, 1995. The principles as well as recent developments in tumor biology were discussed in depth, with emphasis on the regulation of the cell cycle, differentiation, programmed cell death (apoptosis) and genetics of cancer. This book constitutes the proceedings of that meeting. Specifically, the following areas were addressed: (a) enzymes and proteins (cyclins) that control the cell cycle, as well as the role of m as gene in meiosis and transformation; (b) the structural basis for specificity in protein-tyrosine kinase reactions; (c) the differentiation of normal as well as neoplastic cells with respect to molecular mechanism(s) by which chemical agents or growth factors trigger maturation; (d) phenotypic and genetic aspects of apoptosis; (e) the role of growth factors, like IGF-l, FGF, TN, IL-6, etc. , in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis (cell death) and senescence; (f) molecular mechanisms of transcriptional activation of globin genes and stability of mRNAs related to growth proteins and iron metabolism; (g) the cellular and molecular biology of bone marrow hemopoiesis; and (h) neurotrophic factors and the generation of cellular diversity in the central nervous system. It was obvious from the studies presented that neoplastic cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis in many cell types are regulated at several levels.

For a long time, lactic acid bacteria have played an indispensable role in food production. This book provides an overview and recent findings on their genetics and biochemistry as well as possible applications. The development and use of non-pathogenic lactic acid bacteria in vaccine delivery systems for mucosal immunizations are discussed. Their role in food fermentation, their use in carbohydrate modification and key systems for proteolysis and lantibiotic production are treated in detail. Further, the transformation of organic wastes into food and fertilizers is covered. The volume contains a wealth of useful information and can serve both as an introduction to the field for beginners and as a reference book.

The protection of human health and food and fiber resources against the ravages of pests of many sorts is a continuous struggle by all people in the world. The use of chemical pesticides as an aid in this struggle is now also global. These chemicals are deliberately added to the environment for the purpose of killing or injuring some form of life. Because pesticides are generally less selectively toxic than would be desired, non-target species, including humans, must be protected from injury by these chemicals. This can only be achieved by thorough understanding of the comparative toxicology of these compounds, and by minimizing human (and other desirable species) exposure. The latter can only be achieved by sound regulatory policies that utilize scientific principles and data, properly tempered by both gaps in that data and sociologic and economic considerations. This book contains the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Toxicology of Pesticides: Experimental, Clinical and Regulatory Perspectives" held in Riva del Garda on October 6-15, 1986. This NATO-ASI has been promoted by the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington at Seattle, by the Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milano and by the Giovanni Lorenzini Foundation, and has been sponsored by both the Society of Toxicology (USA) and the Italian Society of Toxicology.

This comprehensive volume is a contribution to a new se ries initiated by the NATO Panel on "Gell to Gell Signals in Plants and Animals". The book reflects the outcome of an NATO work­ shop and bri ngs to mi nd two im portant questions: consideri ng the mass of relevant I iteratu reavai- able, is there any necessity for a new series of books - and considering the flood of compa­ rable meetings - is there any point in workshops of this nature and their publication? In order to deal with such questions adequately, much more space would be needed than is available in a foreword. Thus, the answers must remain rather superficial and, of course, rather subjective. To simplify the issue, the question of publication can be narrowed down to two fac­ tors - the financial risk, undertaken by the publisher, and the scientific risk, borne by the editor. If the book is good (with respect to lay-out and content) it will be a success - nothing will be lost­ the people involved will enhance their reputation! We are left with the question of the usefulness of workshops. Without doubt, it is indeed a useful procedure for experts to come together, in an atmosphere of harmony, and freedom from external pressures and time limitations, to discuss a well-defined theme. Wether in agreement or disagreement, a fair and open forum can be expectet for a variety of contributions.

The most critical event in chemical cell to cell communications is the conversion of the chemical signal into the primary response of the receiving cell. In the case of cholinergic cell to cell communication, i. e. in cholinergic nerve-nerve and nerve- muscle systems, a single molecule, namely the nicotinic acetyl- choline receptor is responsible for both signal reception and primary response: Through binding of the neurotransmitter acetyl- choline released from the associated nerve ending, the receptor receives the chemical message. Short-lived openings of the recep- tor-integral ion channel constitute the initial reaction to this stimulation, i. e. the primary response. This integration of the receiving and the responsive unit into a single protein structure seems to be typical for transmi tter-acti vated ion channel pro- teins of many excitable cells including those of the central ner- vous system. Elucidation of the mechansim of action of the acetylcholine receptor is of interest, therefore, not only for cholinergic cell to cell communications but, even more impor- tantly, as a general model for the less accessible neurotransmit- ter receptors of the central nervous system.While the basic reactions in the, course of cholinergic cell to cell communication and the molecular components involved are rather well understood, a molecular mechanism for cholinergic ex- ci tation has not yet been established.

This volume comprises the lectures of the speakers at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop held at the Congress Centre The Flevohof at Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands, May 11-16, 1986. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together experts in symbiosis, plant pathology and plant molecular biology in order to discuss recent progress in the field of microbe -plant re­ cognition at the molecular level, to promote integration of various disciplines, and to define recommendations for future research and applications. Plants have developed a variety of sophisticated defence mechanisms to cope with an environment in which many different microbes live. Most microbes which colonize plant tissues are harmless. Some microbes have developed ways to attack plants successfully, resulting in enormous losses of crop yields. Other microbes have reached an agreement with the host plant which is beneficial for both: these microbes live in symbiosis with the plant and provide their host plant for example with substantial amounts of atmospheric nitrogen. Chemical protection of crops is a necessity in modern crop management but this treatment has some negative effects as well. Therefore scientists are looking for alternative, biological, ways to control crop pests. Against this background specialists from eleven countries discussed the results of their most recent work on the molecular background of microbe -plant interactions. It appeared that, in order to capitalize the recent rapid progress made in the mole­ cular genetical studies on Rhizobium-legume and pathogen-host plant interactions, a multidisciplinary approach is required.

All organisms adapt, or at least try to adapt, to informa- tion or signals arising from their surrounding environment. This can affect the behaviour of the entire organism or the functioning of discrete organs or areas within an organism, depending upon its degree of complexity. This workshop was set up with the aim of encouraging discussions and collaboration between investiga- tors studying a wide spectrum of signal transduction/sensing events occurring at the cell surface in systems where the sig- nalling mechanisms became attenuated or desensitized after their initial stimulation/activation. To this end a wide range of sys- tems were dealt with ranging from simple organisms to higher eUkaryotes. Desensitization has been of much interest for some time. Recently, however, a number of novel mechanisms have been elucidated and, in order to capture the present excitement in this field, the participants have been encouraged to produce articles which would present an overview of their field and research effort which, we hope, will be useful to the int- ested non-speciaJist and specialist alike.A brief transcript or the ensuing discussions has also been included ror clarifi- cation and to highlight both points of comparison between sys- tems and of particular interest.

This book is based on the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on "Mesenchymal-Epithelial Interactions in Neural Development" which was held in Berlin during March 1986. The idea that it may be the time for this workshop arose from a discussion among the organizers who met at a conference in Innsbruck. During the twenties, Spemann demonstrated that, in vertebrates, the formation of neuroepithelium depends on the induction by specific mesodermal derivatives. This was about the first time that mesenchymal-epithelial interactions had been recognized as an important mechanism in the development of an epithelial organ. Since then two things had become clear: 1) The identity and role of molecules, elaborated at mesenchymal-neuroepithelial interfaces had been partially elucidated in spinal cord and peripheral nerve ontogeny but, until recently, had been ignored in studies on the development of the brain. 2) In many-non-neural epithelia, the surrounding mesenchyme regulates such fundamental developmental steps as, for example, cell proliferation, morphogenesis and cell differentia­ tion, and there is no reason to exclude similar influences and interactions from brain development. It seemed to us that the importance and implications of many of these findings had not been appreciated by many developmental neurobiologists and that an attempt should be made to initiate discussions and exchange of ideas among different groups of scientists involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) research. This turned out to be a formidable task because of the great diversity of disciplines contributing findings to this active field.

The NATO Advanced Research Workshop on "Gangliosides and Modu­ lation of Neuronal Functions" was held at the University of Stutt­ gart-Hohenheim, Federal Republic of Germany, on October 20 - 24, 1986. About 70 participants from 10 countries presented papers on a wide range of topics all concerning the ganglioside theme. The content of the workshop consisted of the following chap­ ters: (1) Fundamentals for research on function of gangliosides; (2) Brain ganglioside metabolism; (3) Cell specific distribution and differentiation-related ex­ pression of brain gangliosides; (4) Gangliosides and neuronal plasticity; (5) Bio-medical potential of exogenous ganglioside application on neuronal function; and (6) Critical assessments on aspects of ganglioside therapy. The aim of the workshop was to sum up and discuss the present knowledge in the respective fields. Despite intensive research on gangliosides ever since Ernst Klenk discovered them in 1936, the biological function of. these amphiphilic, "sphinx-like" glycosphingo­ lipids remains elusive. Over the past few years, several thousands of articles on gangliosides have been published demonstrating very special properties of these glycolipids and their possible in­ volvement in diverse biological phenomena. As far as we know up to the present time, these properties may be due to particular physico-chemical attributes of these compounds, especially in com­ bination with calcium. The results obtained so far have shed light not only on pos­ sible functional roles of gangliosides with regard to cellular induction and organization, but have also unexpectedly opened up VI a whole new field of therapeutic applications for these compounds.

Molecular microbiology is a rapidly expanding area of contemporary science: the application of molecular biology has opened up the microbial world in many remarkable ways. The attraction of microbes is that they are self-contained and that they offer complete solutions to understanding the phenomenon of life.This book provides a concise introduction to current research in the field. Four major areas are introduced and explained: - Bacterial Biochemistry- Bacterial Genomes- Gene Expression- Microbial Cell Biology

In the last few years there have been tremendous advances in the understanding of signals and signalling pathways that operate at the cellular level and lead to developmental processes. In 27 chapters, this volume investigates the cellular and molecular basis of plant development. It highlights the most recent progress on signals, machinery, and pathways in the plant cell. Emphasis is placed on integrating these studies with those on cell division, cell plate formation, and other aspects of plant development, in order to elucidate the intricate relationships between them.

Gene therapy has generated enormous expectations as it holds a great promise, namely to revolutionize clinical and molecular medicine. This is because the successful introduction of a gene sequence in somatic sells followed by long-term expression at therapeutic levels can fundamentally correct a variety of human disease such as inherited and acquired disorders, cancer and AIDS. The proceedings of the first ASI on Gene Therapy that took place from August 17-28, 1997 on the island of Spetsai, Greece, summarizes recent advances in the field as presented elegantly by the intemationally­ recognized experts that served as faculty at the meeting. Their contributions constitute brief but comprehensive reviews presented as independent chapters in this book and emphasize the influence of chromatin structure on gene expression, describe the principal mechanisms of gene expression, followed by articles on epigenic elements, viral vectors, non-viral vectors as gene delivery systems, animal models of human diseases, inducible regulatory systems, gene therapy of cancer, AIDS, monogenic disorders and ongoing clinical trials. Gene therapy is the logical progression to human health management because it offers a potential low cost and efficient treatment. Gene therapy can reach it's full potential and satisfy all expectations. However, a number of critical technology advancements need to be completed. These include the development of vectors capable of safe and efficient gene transfer, the control of cell type targeting and regulation of trans gene expression levels.

Molecular biology has provided a tool with which problems in cellular differentiation can be answered. Recombinant DNA technology has been used to obtain quantities of the erythropoietic hormone, erythropoietin. The availability of the hormone has provided a much-needed impetus in learning how erythropoiesis is controlled. Knowledge of the genetic components, transcription and translation of the erythropoietin gene and finally the release of the mature hormone under various physiological conditions should be forthcoming in the near future. This volume will give the reader some indication as to the different aspects of erythropoiesis. They include the regulation of production of the hormone under normal and abnormal conditions, ontogeny and cellular interactions and the assay of the hormone itself.

The aging process involves changes in neurotransmission at different levels. The purpose of this book is to help define the state-of-the-art of the field and to give directives for future research on the aging brain. Following topics are presented: the comparison of normal and pathological aging at the anatomical and neurochemical level; the knowledge of the responses of the aging brain to drug treatment or environmental stress; the neuro/immune and neuro/endocrine setting during aging; and the definition of therapeutical approaches in normal aging. This book will interest physicians and pathologists as well as neurophysiologists.

The Nato Advanced Research Workshop on Plant Hormone Receptors was held at the Physik Zentrum in Bad Honnef near Bonn, August 18-22, 1986. This workshop was mainly supported by the Nato Scientific Affairs Division and additionally cosponsered by Hoechst AG, Frankfurt and BASF AG, Ludwigshafen. The workshop aimed at focusing research on plant hormone recep­ tors. It should provide an opportunity to all who work in this field to report on their very recent data and to discuss their results with the most competent' colleagues. The total number of participants was limited to 30 to ensure personal contact and intensive discussions. Everyone had to either give a lecture or practical course. One half of the participants were invited, the other was selected by applications. Plant hormone receptors are assumed to exist but clear results are still rare. Nevertheless encouraging results have been published over the last years. Receptors for animal hormones and neuronal transmitters are well characterized, both structu­ rally and functionally. Therefore scientists dealing with recep­ tors for steroid hormones - Prof. E.E. Baulieu, Paris and Prof. J. R. Gustafsson, Huddinge - and for acetylcholine - Prof. A. Maelicke, Dortmund - were invited to participate in the workshop.

Tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria. trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis and amebiasis continue to plague the world, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality, especially in the third world countries. These diseases are caused by a group of protozoa which have, over the years, undergone evolutionary adaptation to live often intracellularly in a parasitic way of life. So well-adapted have they become that they recognize the right hosts or cells to parasitize, yet at the same time they escape recognition and destruction by the host immune system. The mechanisms of such recognition and the escape of recognition are governed largely by host-parasite surface membrane interactions at the cellular and molecular level. Unique molecules produced by unusual pathways of these parasites have also been discovered and found to play important roles in their survival in the host. Understanding these mechanisms and pathways is essential not only to formulate a rational strategy for chemo- and immuno-prophylaxis and -therapy but also to unravel the mystery of biological evolution in symbiosis and parasitism. In the advent of our knowledge on the molecular biology and biochemistry of parasite membrane and other molecules, it is opportune to examine and discuss their possible roles in host-parasite recognition and interaction in a comparative approach. To highlight the recent advances of this area in various host-parasite systems, a NATO advanced Research Workshop was held from September 27 to October 1, 1986 at Hotel Villa del Mare, Acquafredda di Maratea, Italy.

This volume deals with the significance of the apoblast and the intracellular matrix in cell to cell signaling in plants and animals. Researchers working on human, animal and plant systems discuss their own specific problems. The dynamics of the cell surface as related to both growth and development, as well as to the transduction of environmental signals and the feed-back from genetic information to the cell surface are comprehensively covered. Special emphasis is laid on experimental models, their applicability and discussion of possible directions for future research.

Translation, i.e. protein synthesis, studied from a genetic viewpoint is illustrated in this volume, demonstrating how researchers are employing both classical genetic and recombinant DNA techniques in studying the components, mechanisms, regulation and accuracy of protein synthesis. Both the prokaryotic (especially Escherichia coli) and eukaryotic (especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae) system are discussed, presenting both new information and the new genetic approaches available. This book does not concentrate on one particular aspect of translation, but provides an ideal overview of the genetic approaches for dissecting the translation process as well as the current rapid advances made in the field through the use of in vitro genetics.

Developmental biology deals with the regulatory principles underlying the generation of a new organism. The up-to-date knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide mammalian development from a single cell through a complex and integrated process of cell multiplication, differentiation and organisation of cells into tissues and organs is presented in this volume. Aspects of the molecular nature and developmental significance of cell-to-cell signals focus on: - hoxgenes, their products and potential role in mammalian morphogenesis; - growth factors, their receptors and signal transduction, and their role in guiding cell multiplication, differentiation and transformation; and - cell adhesion and extracellular matrix molecules, as short-range cell-to-cell signals in mammalian development.

This volume contains the contributions to the workshop "The Semiotics of Cellular Communication in The Immune System" which took place at "11 Ciocco" in the hills north of Lucca, Italy, September ~-12, 1986. The workshop was the first meeting of what we hope will be a broad consideration of communication among lymphocytes, and focused on the new interdisciplinary branch of biological sciences, immunosemiotics. It is in the realm of the possible, if not the probable, that in the future a number of scientists larger than the thirty present at 11 Ciocco will find immunosemiotics to fill a need in scientific thinking and a gap between biology and the humanities. This might lead to growth and flourishing of the branch, and in this case the first conference and this first book could be blessed by the impalpable qual ity of becoming "historical", if in an admittedly 1 imited sense. Just in case this should happen the organizers/editors think it wise to set the record straight at this particular time, about the sequen~e of events and circumstances that crystallized the archeology of the "11 Liocco" gathering. They feel a sort of obligation to this endeavor: it has happened all too often that innocent historians have been left in utter confusion by the careless founders of new religions, schisms, revolutions, et cetera, who simply forget to jot down the facts before the whirlwind of time engulfs them in its fog.