John M. Vierling – författare

Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. It deals with, among other things, the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency, allograft rejection); the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. Immunology has various applications in several disciplines of science, and as such is further divided.

Liver Immunology: Principles and Practice covers bacterial, parasitic and viral infections of the liver, autoimmune liver disease, alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, and transplantation in an easy-to-read and thorough format. Authors also address the key issues that have arisen in this field in recent years, including physiological roles of hepatocytes, sinusoidal lining cells, activated macrophages (Kupffer cells), cholangiocytes and stellate cells, and their modulation of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and NKT cells. This volume will become a must-read for clinicians, investigators and students, novice and expert alike.

The third edition of this acclaimed work provides clinicians and investigators with a wealth of state-of-the-art information that will lead to fresh approaches in thinking about liver physiology and liver diseases.  Developed by a panel of renowned international authors, this edition outlines a range of important advances in our understanding of the liver’s role as an immune organ and the functions of innate and adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of all liver diseases.  Indeed, the liver is a vitally important immune organ producing liver-derived products that can trigger the innate and adaptive immune system to initiate, mediate, regulate, and resolve systemic inflammation.  

The book begins with an analysis of the core concepts of immunology, including the definition of autoimmunity and its unique application to the liver, a tolerogenic organ. Subsequent chapters then explore the biological elements of liver diseases caused by epigenetics, genetics, and innate and adaptive immunity. Specific clinical presentations and aspects of liver diseases are also examined, such as Hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and parasitic infections.  Closing chapters then discuss liver diseases among specific populations, including pediatrics, those with comorbidities and preexisting conditions, pregnant women, and finally patients with transplanted organs.   

A timely and invaluable update to the clinical literature, Liver Immunology: Principles and Practice, Third Edition, is once again a comprehensive work that will not only enhance the understanding of liver diseases but also provide the kind of novel insights that greatly accelerates the evidence-based care of children and adults afflicted with these diseases. This volume is again a must-read for clinicians at all levels, for investigators and for students.

Liver Immunology: Principles and Practice, Second Edition begins with important information about the epidemiology and mortality of liver disease worldwide. This information is followed by chapters related to basic immunology, application of liver immunology for diagnosis, and several excellent chapters that provide a solid foundation for understanding immune-mediated liver disease, including those associated with the biliary tree. A chapter on non-hepatic manifestations of immune mediated liver disease helps provide context for how these diseases affect the patient overall.  In addition, chapters discuss various discrete immunologically-mediated infectious liver disorders including those related to bacteria, parasites, and all of the classic viruses. Chapters on the traditional autoimmune liver diseases --  primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis as well as overlap syndrome – are also included. The breadth of this comprehensive second edition is highlighted by chapters on alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and drug-induced liver disease, among others.  This invaluable new edition ends with a forward-looking view of future directions and how the field might meet the challenge of refractory patients.  Developed by a renowned group of authors, Liver Immunology: Principles and Practice, Second Edition will again serve as a comprehensive textbook by providing an excellent overview for this rapidly evolving field. It greatly adds to the understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases, while also providing novel insights that can be harnessed into helping improve the care of patients afflicted with various immune-mediated diseases.  This volume will again be a must-read for clinicians at all levels, investigators andstudents.