The Macrophage as Therapeutic Target

ISBN-13: 9783540442509 / Angielski / Twarda / 2003 / 496 str.

Siamon Gordon; S. Gordon; Siamon Gordon

Opis

During the past decade, the rapid growth of molecular and cellular knowledge of macrophages, as a specialized host defense and homeostatic system, has begun to offer attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Macrophages play a central role in a wide range of disease processes, from genetically determined lysosomal storage diseases, to acute sepsis, chronic inflammation and repair, tissue injury and cell death. Under- or overactivity of macrophage clearance, immune effector functions and responses to metabolic abnormalities contribute to common disorders such as autoimmunity, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and major infections including AIDS and Tuberculosis. Whilst the goals of therapeutic intervention based on improved understanding of macrophage functions and their contribution to pathogenesis may seem self evident, there are considerable difficulties in producing useful new agents. The present volume covers a range of subjects and provides opportunities for a more focused macrophage-targeted approach. The individual chapters review selected topics briefly, to place cellular processes and molecular targets in perspective. Overall, the volume should provide a broad sample of the state of the art. Useful reviews and references in the literature are cited within individual chapters.

Spis treści

Preface.- Section I: General.- 1. The macrophage as a validated pharmaceutical target.2. Transcription factors that regulate macrophage development & function.3. Exploitation of macrophage clearance functions in vivo.4. Reaching the macrophage - routes of delivery.5. Antigen presenting cells & vaccine design.6. Macrophage-specific gene targeting in vivo.- Section II: Macrophage targets in inflammation.- 7. Integrins of macrophage & macrophage-like cells.8. Purinergic receptors.9. Macrophage lipid uptake & foam cell formation.10. Dietary fatty acids and macrophages.11. Macrophages as therapeutic targets in lysosomal storage disorders.12. Nuclear receptors as regulators of macrophage homeostasis & function.13. Relationships between reactive oxygen species & reactive nitrogen oxide species produced by macrophages.14. Proteases.15. Targeting the chemokine system.16. Antimicrobial peptides.17. Macrophage phospholipid products.- Section III: Modulation of specialised macrophage activities.- 18. Dendritic cells versus macrophages as antigen presenting cells; common and unique features.19. The osteoclast .20. Macrophages in the central and peripheral nervous system.21. Innate recognition of viruses by macrophage and related receptors: potential ligands for antiviral agents.22. Macrophages & Mycobacterium tuberculosis.23. Detection & control of fungi by macrophages: the role of carbohydrates and antifungal agents.