lnflammatory reactions are generated in response to extemal and intemal stimuli, such as infection, trauma, clinical insult or dysregulation of the umnune system. The int1ammatory responses may bc antigen-specific or non-specific, local or systemic, chronic or rapid and severe, characterized by a massive release of mediators, often lethal. The aim of this book is to review selectcd aspects associated with the mechanism of the pathology of int1ammatory processes of ditlerent origin and to evaluate therapeutic strategies aimed at combating various inflamma tory diseases. The introductory...

The immune system has evolved mechanisms enabli ng it to discriminate between self and non-self constituents. A normally functioning organism is naturally unresponsive to self antigens originating from clonal deletion, aner gy, or an active suppression of self-reactive T cells. The wide spectrum of autoimmune responses may be divided into systemic and organ-specific dis eases and encompasses the actions of autoantibodies, autoantigeu-autoanti body complexes, and sensitized T lymphocytes. The aim of this book is to review the current understandin g, concepts and hypotheses regarding the...

lnflammatory reactions are generated in response to extemal and intemal stimuli, such as infection, trauma, clinical insult or dysregulation of the umnune system. The int1ammatory responses may bc antigen-specific or non-specific, local or systemic, chronic or rapid and severe, characterized by a massive release of mediators, often lethal. The aim of this book is to review selectcd aspects associated with the mechanism of the pathology of int1ammatory processes of ditlerent origin and to evaluate therapeutic strategies aimed at combating various inflamma tory diseases. The introductory...