Presenting a wealth of new data on the interaction among t-cell subsets and cytokines, this book offers a fresh perspective on infectious diseases. It provides useful insights into the nature and treatment of helminthic and mycobacterial infections, with special emphasis on leprosy, leishmaniasis, malaria and trypanosomiasis. The outcome of the host response to infectious agents is seen as depending upon the t-cell subsets activated and the cytokines produced by them and other cells, such as macrophages, beta-cells and basophils. Expert contributions shed new light on: how THO cells are preferentially activated and differentiated into TH1 or TH2 subsets; how TH1 and TH2 cells and their cytokines induce both protective immune responses and adverse immune reactions to infectious agents; how cytokines modulate the response of infectious diseases to chemotherapy; and how cytokines, their receptors and antagonists, and anti-cytokine antibodies can be used in therapy. Those working in the fields of immunology, parasitology, microbiology and vaccine development, particularly if they are interested in tropical diseases, should find the volume a valuable source of information.

International conference, Kuwait, April 6 - 8, 1993

Skrytá bibl. Subject index: s. 217-222