Michael B. A. Oldstone

Looks at outbreaks of viral diseases throughout history, recounts how researchers found cures for smallpox and polio, and describes the current challenges facing scientists in the form of ebola, mad cow disease, and AIDS.

Viruses, Plagues, and History

Kenneth L. Tyler

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology

Richard W. Compans

This two-volume work covers the molecular and cell biology, genetics and evolution of influenza viruses, the pathogenesis of infection, resultant host innate and adaptive immune response, prevention of infection through vaccination and approaches to the therapeutic control of infection.. Experts at the forefront of these areas provide critical assessments with regard to influenza virology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, and pathogenesis. Volume I provides overviews of the latest findings on molecular determinants of viral pathogenicity, virus entry and cell tropism, pandemic risk assessment, transmission and pathogenesis in animal species, viral evolution, ecology and antigenic variation, while Volume II focuses on the role of innate and adaptive immunity in pathogenesis, development of vaccines and antivirals.

Influenza Pathogenesis and Control - Volume II

Diane E. Griffin

Measles virus, one of the most contagious of all human viruses, has been largely contained by the development and use of a vaccine that was introduced 50 years ago. These two volumes were timed to honor the introduction of the vaccine and to record the enormous advancements made in understanding the molecular and cell biology, pathogenesis, and control of this infectious disease. Where vaccine has been effectively delivered, endemic measles virus transmission has been eliminated. However, difficulties in vaccine delivery, lack of health care support and objection to vaccination in some communities continue to result in nearly 40 million cases and over 300,000 deaths per year from measles.

Pathogenesis and Control

Measles

Hilary Koprowski

Built upon the foundation of Paul de Kruif's Microbe Hunters, written in 1926, but differing in that the conquest unfolds through essays by today's scientists, this book not only relates the history, but also conveys the excitement felt by the individual researchers themselves. These dramatic stories, describing major accomplishments and future challenges in medical science, serve as a beacon to guide new recruits into the battle for control of microbial diseases and provide personal models for graduate and postdoctoral students currently in biomedical research. "There are some fine ingredients here, and it is good to have them together in a single volume embracing past achievements and current and emerging problems in the control of infectious diseases." Especially enjoyed Thomas Weller's account, complete with pages of laboratory notebook, of his isolation of the agent(s) of varicella and zoster. Bernard Dixon, British Medical Journal. "The authors, all distinguished and well-known scientists, recognize the difficult challenges that lie ahead, but in general hold an optimistic view of the outcome of future research." Microbe Hunters then and now is both interesting and enjoyable to read, a timely sequel to de Kruif's original book and a solid historical document written by the microbe hunters themselves. Abner L. Notkins, Nature Medicine. To order, call: (800) 500-8205 or write: MEDI-ED Press, #5 White Place, Bloomington, IL 61701.

Microbe Hunters, Then and Now

Influenza Pathogenesis and Control -

Hugh Rosen

This volume focuses on the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its analogs in the induced sequestration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs or in the microenvironment of tissues involved in infection or autoimmune disease. Initial chapters define the pathways to understand S1P signaling. They cover the organization of signaling systems, the structural biology of the S1P1 receptor, and the chemical and genetic tools that are available and useful to explore this area of research and therapeutics. The later chapters highlight S1P and endothelial integrity, lymphocyte migration in the spleen, and S1P agonist in controlling immunopathologic manifestations of acute respiratory influenza virus infection (in the lung), and its accompanying cytokine storm as well as immunopathologic disease of the central nervous system, including the beginning of treatments in multiple sclerosis. One chapter reveals the possible involvement of other lipid molecules, their use for better understanding lipid signaling, and their potential in the modulation of immune responses.

Michael B. A. Oldstone

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