Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders: A Historic and Scientific Perspective provides a complete historical context that is crucial for students and researchers concerned with primary immunodeficiency. When researchers have a poor understanding of the way we arrived where we are in research, they can miss important points about a disease, or miss out on how to approach new diseases. This historical knowledge of research can assist greatly by showing how it was done in the past, demonstrating the successes and failures, so that it can be done better in the future. This book provides an understanding of the process going from clinical problem to lab and back to the clinic, based on historical experiences. Its chapters proceed from the discovery of the T and B cell lineages through the first BMT for immunodeficiency disorder; lab investigation and gene therapy for PID; the discovery of the gene for AT and its function; understanding cytokine defects; and many other stops along the way. - Facilitates communication among physicians and other investigators concerned with immunological and inflammatory diseases - Summarizes for the first time all the known facts from 60 years of primary immunodeficiency research, and teaches how an important field in medicine was established - Provides stimulating discussions on developing new medical therapiesHighlights the importance of studying humans to understand mechanisms of disease that affect humans

The second edition of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases presents discussions of gene identification, mutation detection, and clinical and research applications for over 100 genetic immune disorders--disorders featuring an increased susceptibility to infections and, in certain conditions, an icreased rate of malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Since the publication of the first edition, a flurry of new disease entities has been defined and new treatment regimens have been introduced, the most spectacular being successful treatment by gene therapy for two genotypes of combined immunodeficiency. The first edition marked a historic turning point in the field of immunodeficiencies, demonstrating that many of the disorders of the immune systam could be understood at a molecular level. This new edition can proudly document the tremendous pace of progress in dissecting the complex immunologic networks responsible for protecting individuals from these disorders.

Tending Adam's Garden describes and explains the way in which our immune system works from a novel perspective. The book uses metaphors and examples to bring the immune system to life and explores the fundamental miracle of nature. Written in plain language for a broad audience, this book encompasses much more than just immunology, exploring more fundamental matters such as causality, information, energy, evolution, cognition and individuality, as well as the strategy of the immune system and its role in health and disease. - Provides a unique perspective on the immune system from one of the keenest scientific and philosophical brains in the world - Uses metaphors and case histories to explore themes in an accessible manner - Written in plain language requiring no specialized vocabulary or specific scientific background in the subject

This book presents case histories to illustrate in a clinical context essential points about the mechanisms of immunity. It includes cases that illustrate both recently discovered genetic immunodeficiencies and some more familiar and common diseases with interesting immunology.

This is the second edition of a widely used textbook that consolidates the basic concepts of the cancer gene theory and provides a framework for understanding the genetic basis of cancer. Particular attention is devoted to the origins of the mutations that cause cancer, and the application of evolutionary theory to explain how the cell clones that harbor cancer genes tend to expand. Focused on the altered genes and pathways that cause the growth of the most common tumors, Principles of Cancer Genetics is aimed at advanced undergraduates who have completed introductory coursework in genetics, biology and biochemistry, medical students and medical house staff. For students with a general interest in cancer, this book provides a highly accessible and readable overview. For more advanced students contemplating future study in the field of oncology and cancer research, this concise book will be useful as a primer.

Genetic susceptibility refers to how variations in a person’s genes increase or decrease his or her susceptibility to environmental factors, such as chemicals, radiation and lifestyle (diet and smoking). This volume will explore the latest findings in the area of genetic susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on molecular epidemiology, DNA repair, and gene-environment interactions to identify factors that affect the incidence of GI cancers. Topics will include germline susceptibility, including Mendelian patterns of inheritance and gene-environment interactions that lead to cancer etiology.

The number of diagnosed cases of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) – a group of inborn disorders of the immune system – is growing rapidly, but misdiagnosis or late diagnosis still occurs in a significant number of patients, with serious consequences. This is the second edition of a practical reference textbook on PIDs that has been widely welcomed by scientists and clinicians from around the world. The new edition has been extensively revised to reflect advances in knowledge and includes various PIDs not previously covered. For each disease, information is provided on definition, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. This book will represent an ideal resource for specialists when engaging in diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and treatment planning. It will also prove invaluable for doctors in training and other physicians and nurses who wish to learn more about PIDs.

The Immune Response is a unique reference work covering the basic and clinical principles of immunology in a modern and comprehensive fashion. Written in an engaging conversational style, the book conveys the broad scope and fascinating appeal of immunology. The book is beautifully illustrated with superb figures as well as many full color plates. This extraordinary work will be an invaluable resource for lecturers and graduate students in immunology, as well as a vital reference for research scientists and clinicians studying related areas in the life and medical sciences. - Current and thorough 30 chapter reference reviewed by luminaries in the field - Unique 'single voice' ensures consistency of definitions and concepts - Comprehensive and elegant illustrations bring key concepts to life - Provides historical context to allow fuller understanding of key issues - Introductory chapters 1-4 serve as an 'Immunology Primer' before topics are discussed in more detail