Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   Charlotte S. Kaetzel
Publisher:   Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Imprint:   Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Edition:   Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2007
Dimensions:   Width: 15.50cm , Height: 2.30cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.688kg
ISBN:  

9781441944276

ISBN 10:   1441944273
Pages:   434
Publication Date:   04 November 2010
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

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.

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Author Information

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.

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