Peter E Lipsky - Böcker

Leukocyte adhesion molecules have been the subject of intense basic and preclinical research. Results from clinical trials obtained sofar with antibodies directed towards these surface proteins offer promise for the prevention of graft rejection and effective treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. This volume presents a comprehensive review of contemporary research on the structure, function and regulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules and their ligands, from the molecular to the clinical level. The blend of basic science and clinical applications presented in Structure, Function and Regulation of Molecules Involved in Leukocyte Adhesion provides clear evidence of the biological importance of cell-cell interactions and the many potential clinical dividends afforded by understanding the molecular basis of cell adhesion. It will appeal to a broad range of readers in immunology and cell biology.

Targeted therapies of rheumatic diseases have become a reality and have completely changed patient care as well as patient expectations. Initial success with therapies aimed at blocking TNF and IL-1 has stimulated the development of additional targeted approaches focused on other cytokines as well as specific cells and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.Along with the clinical success of some of these targeted approaches, new information has been generated from their application concerning the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying rheumatic diseases and, as a result, new targets have been identified.The ongoing dialogue between basic scientists, clinical investigators, metrologists and clinicians remains an essential component for the further development, refinement, integration and optimization of targeted therapies of the rheumatic diseases. The goal of this volume is to provide comprehensive, up to date information on all aspects of the rapidly evolving development of targeted therapies of the rheumatic diseases to foster further advances to improve therapy of patients with these conditions.Targeted Therapies in Rheumatology established itself as an excellent reference for all those needing to know about the clinical implications of new drugs and developments for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This volume takes up the further developments that have occurred in several of the drug therapies covered in the first volume, as well as looking at the latest areas of promising research.

In addition, there are in?uences that are extrinsic to potentially auto-reactive lymphocytes, including the function of regulatory cells, d- ferentiation state of antigen-presenting cells, availability of self-antigen, the cytokine and chemokine milieu, as well as the traf?cking patterns involved in generating productive immune interactions.