Mucosal Immune Defense: Immunoglobulin a

ISBN-13: 9781441944276 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 434 str.

Charlotte S. Kaetzel

Opis

Immune responses at mucosal surfaces play a major role in host mucosal defense against microbial pathogens and in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic mucosal inflammatory diseases. This volume draws on a broad spectrum of molecular biologic, biochemical, and immunogenetic approaches in combination with human and murine in vitro cell culture and in vivo model systems to address questions in mucosal immunity. Humans produce more immunoglobulin A (IgA) than all other antibody isotypes combined, most of which is rapidly transported into the external secretions bathing mucous membranes. It has been estimated that more than 3 grams of IgA are transported daily into mucosal secretions, carrying out a wide range of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions. IgA is the second most abundant class of antibody in the bloodstream, contributing to systemic as well as secretory immunity. Recent advances in human genomics, gene regulation, structural biology, cell signaling, and immunobiology have greatly enhanced our understanding of this important class of antibody. This book is designed to serve as a concise reference of the present knowledge of the biology of IgA, including structure of IgA and its interaction with Fc receptors; epithelial transport of IgA; regulation of the mucosal IgA system; biological roles of IgA, including newly discovered functions; IgA-associated diseases, and therapeutic applications for IgA. Chapters have been contributed by internationally recognized leaders in the field of IgA research, representing 8 countries on 3 continents.

Spis treści

The Structure of IgA.- IgA Plasma Cell Development.- Epithelial Transport of IgA by the Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor.- Fc Receptors for IgA.- Regulation of the Mucosal IgA System.- Biological Functions of IgA.- Protection of Mucosal Epithelia by IgA: Intracellular Neutralization and Excretion of Antigens.- Novel Functions for Mucosal SIgA.- IgA and Antigen Sampling.- IgA and Intestinal Homeostasis.- IgA and Respiratory Immunity.- IgA and Reproductive Tract Immunity.- IgA-Associated Diseases.- Mucosal SIgA Enhancement: Development of Safe and Effective Mucosal Adjuvants and Mucosal Antigen Delivery Vehicles.- Recombinant IgA Antibodies.

O autorze

Dr. Charlotte Kaetzel received her PhD and postdoctoral training in biochemistry and cell biology from the University of Maryland. Her introduction into the world of immunology came with her first faculty appointment in 1983 in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Under the mentorship of department chair Michael Lamm, a world leader in IgA biology, she applied the emerging tools of biochemistry and molecular biology to the study of IgA transport across epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Now a professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Dr. Kaetzel’s research is devoted to understanding the basic science and clinical relevance of IgA in maintenance of homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Dr. Kaetzel has served on advisory panels for a number governmental agencies and private foundations, and as an Associate Editor for The Journal of Immunology, the official journal of the American Association of Immunologists. A charter member of the Society for Mucosal Immunology, Dr. Kaetzel is currently serving as Associate Editor for its flagship journal, Mucosal Immunology.

Blurb

Antibodies of the IgA class form the front line of immune defense at mucosal surfaces lining the gastrointestinal, respiratory and genital tracts. These IgA antibodies promote peaceful co-existence with beneficial microorganisms, such as gut bacteria that assist in digestion and nutrient production, while selectively neutralizing pathogenic microorganisms and harmful environmental substances. This book, authored by international experts in the field of IgA immunology, presents a comprehensive and timely overview of current knowledge of IgA structure and function. Topics include the basic science of IgA biochemistry and molecular biology, general and tissue-specific aspects of IgA function, and the clinical relevance of IgA in infection, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and cancer. The final chapters describe state-of-the art applications of molecular genetics for the production of vaccines and therapeutics targeting IgA. The unique focus on IgA, the most abundant molecule in the mucosal immune system, differentiates this book from more general texts in the area of mucosal immunology. This book should be useful for researchers, educators, clinicians and students interested in a concise source of up-to-date information on the central role of IgA in mucosal immune defense.