Lieping Chen - Böcker

The B7-CD28 family molecules are probably the most intensively studied receptor-ligand systems in the field of immunology. This is evident from the explosive accumulation of literature, particularly in the last ten years. Recent years have witnessed rapid discoveries and characterization of new receptors and ligands in the family. These new pathways, although still in their infancy, have already brought much excitement to the field. However, until now, there has been no single volume to cover this entire area. This book was created to bring together state-of-the-art information and critical thinking from the leading investigators. This book covers significant territory of this rapidly moving field from structural biology and biochemical signalling to immunological functions and their potential applications in the treatment of human diseases. This handbook and reference guide is for immunologists, health professionals, medical students and graduate students in life science field.

It is still hard to believe that manipulation of a single protein on the cell surface or an interaction of two or more proteins, which at times is collectively referred to as a “pathway,” could have such a profound effect on our immune system. At present, a number of such proteins or pathways have been identi?ed. These observations could only be interpreted in a way that, although tens of thousand of proteins are required for a perfectly healthy immune system, many of these pathways may work in either interconnected or linear fashion. Therefore, the combined understanding of each pathway, their interactions with other pathways, and the functional c- sequence, is a cornerstone for our interpretation of pathological basis of diseases and future treatments. It is important to stay abreast on the pace of progress, which I refer to as periodic summary of incremental and breakthrough discoveries in each pathway by the experts and the leader in the ?eld. The CD137 Pathway: Immunology and Diseases represents such an effort and this is the ?rst attempt to summarize our understanding of the CD137 pathway. The following chapters cover the majority of active areas of research in this pathway and also provide an essential resource to both the nonexperts and experts in the ?eld.

The B7-CD28 family molecules are probably the most intensively studied receptor-ligand systems in the field of immunology. This book covers significant territory of this rapidly moving field from structural biology and biochemical signalling to immunological functions and their potential applications in the treatment of human diseases.