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Cytokines and chemokines are an important class of effector molecules that play a fundamental
role in orchestrating the innate and acquired immune responses needed to eliminate or
wall off invading pathogens. In vitro and in vivo studies have been instrumental in revealing
the complexity of the cytokine network and the many facets of cytokine biology, such as pleiotropism
(i.e., the capacity for a given cytokine to stimulate several cell types) and redundancy
(i.e., the ability of different cytokines to exert similar effects). However, the development of
sensitive reagents to detect and measure human cytokines and chemokines has provided opportunities
to investigate the role of these important mediators in human inflammatory and infectious
diseases. Despite many similarities, important differences in cytokine responses and mode
of action between human and animal models became evident. A shift in focus from animal to
clinical studies was, therefore, inevitable.
In recent years, we have witnessed an outpouring of information on the role of cytokines and
chemokines in human infectious diseases. These studies have led to a deeper understanding of the
pathogenesis of infectious diseases, an appreciation for differences of cytokine and chemokine
production profiles in response to various pathogens, and a realization that genetic host factors
influence the type and magnitude of cytokine and chemokine responses to a given microorganism.
Our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of specific infections has become much more
profound and thorough, and has thus contributed to the design of better and more effective therapeutic
interventions for the management of patients with infectious diseases.
While playing a pivotal role in host defense against infection, cytokines also contribute to
pathology when released in excessive amounts. Much work, both in academic institutions and
in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, has been devoted to the development of
cytokine or anticytokine treatment strategies in infectious diseases. Although some strategies
have failed, there have been numerous successes that have led to effective interventions for
inflammatory and infectious diseases. One reason for the failure of cytokine-based therapies in
infectious diseases may have stemmed from a lack of understanding of important differences in
cytokine biology in infections caused by different pathogens.
Cytokines and Chemokines in Infectious Diseases Handbook is meant to provide a unique
and up-to-date reference on the role of cytokines and chemokines in a variety of human infectious
diseases. International leaders in the field present a comprehensive overview of cytokine
and chemokine responses in bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Readers will gain
a better appreciation for the differences in cytokine profiles in distinct infectious diseases and
will see how this knowledge has led to a deeper understanding of host–pathogen interactions,
as well as the pathogenetic basis of infectious diseases. In addition, Handbook of Cytokines and
Chemokines in Infectious Diseases is intended to provide a critical evaluation of the use of
cytokines and anticytokines in the treatment of infectious diseases and to demonstrate how
knowledge of cytokine pleiotropic effects, redundancy, and the complexity of the cytokine
network has impacted the use of cytokines as therapeutic tools. |