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Chemokines are a superfamily of small proteins which play a crucial role in immune and inflammatory reactions and in viral infection. They attract and activate leukocytes and regulate diverse cellular systems and organs ranging from blood vessels to the central nervous system. This book provides an overview of the main structural and functional features of chemokines. It presents recent studies which indicate that chemokines regulate the trafficking of dendritic cells and hence the activation of specific immunity and the subsequent orientation of immunity. Further contributions focus on the role of chemokines in the regulation of angiogenesis, and the interplay of HIV with chemokines and their receptors. Given the role of chemokines in diverse human diseases, their pharmacology is a prime target for research. In the last chapter, strategies to develop chemokine antagonists are discussed. Written by experienced investigators and summarizing current trends in this fast-moving field, this well-organized volume will be a useful reference for immunologists, virologists, oncologists, pharmacologists and neurobiologists.

B cells used to be considered as a homogeneous population of cells destined to produce antibodies of increasing affinity and to maintain an immunological memory. In recent years, it has been determined that B cells can be subdivided into different subsets characterized by distinct morphologic, phenotypic, and functional features. Presenting results of research work on the definition of B cell subset populations, this book explains the basic mechanisms that control B cell activation, stimulation and regulation. Articles include studies on both normal and malignant B cells and describe the mechanisms underlying T-B cell interactions during the immune response. The most important advances in the field of immunodeficiency are also reported. This volume will be essential not only for basic and clinical immunologists, but also for hematologists, pathologists and rheumatologists with a special interest in the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative or autoimmune disorders.

Sternal Puncture: A Method of Clinical and Cytological Investigation, Second Edition covers the study of the life history of the blood; clarifies problems in hematology; and observes the reactions of the formative elements of the blood to infection and to other abnormal states of the body. Chapters are devoted to the discussion on the myelogram and hemogram procedures; different infective diseases of the blood and various anemias; and a detailed description of the technique of sternal puncture. Hematologists, cytologists, and students of medicine will find the book very useful.