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Since the first observations of viral interference with antigen presentation in the MHC class-I pathway, the field has advanced to a detailed analysis. We know numerous genes and for some of them we have profound information on their mechanistic function. The antigen presentation pathway is affected at all stages starting from proteasomal degradation of an antigenic viral protein, as shown for EBV, transfer of the proteasomal cleavage products as peptides in the ER by specific transporters, the loading of the nascent MHC class-I molecule, and finally the transport of the complex to the surface and presentation in a normal or deranged form. All these different steps of the MHC class-I antigen presentation pathway are targets for viral proteins. Not only MHC class-I but also MHC class-II proteins are a target of viral influence either by direct downregulation and degradation of proteins or by interference of signal transduction pathways. ... Read more

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Natural Killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes of the innate immune system. They are widespread throughout the body, being present in both lymphoid organs and non-lymphoid peripheral tissues. NK cells are involved in direct innate immune reactions against viruses, bacteria, parasites and other triggers of pathology, such as malignant transformation, all of which cause stress in affected cells. Importantly, NK cells also link the innate and adaptive immune responses, contributing to the initiation of adaptive immune responses and executing adaptive responses using the CD16 FcgRIIIA immunoglobulin Fc receptor. Such responses are mediated through two major effector functions, the direct cytolysis of target cells and the production of cytokines and chemokines. The authors focus here on the nature of recognition events by NK cells and address how these events are integrated to trigger these distinct and graded effector functions.

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The questions of how the pathogenic human herpesviruses cause diseases, and what should be done to prevent infection and disease have prompted scientific interest in the molecular basis of the functions of all human herpesvirus genes in various tissues and organs of the infected host. This volume compiles the knowledge on the pathogenicity genes of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, the ones which have been most actively investigated at the molecular level. It adds to the understanding of herpesvirus gene involvement in diseases and shows the potential of this knowledge for planning new strategies for the development of vaccines in the future. The book will be of great help to physicians and to scientists concerned with the involvement of herpesviruses in aggravating patients' conditions, leading to a life threatening infection. ... Read more

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This monograph deals with the impact of classical genetics in immunology, providing examples of how large immunological questions were solved, and new fields opened to analysis through the study of phenotypes, either spontaneous or induced. As broad as biology has become, there are those who don’t fully understand what the genetic approach is, and how it differs fundamentally from most of the methods available to natural scientists. They may hold the opinion that genetics has run its course since Mendel read his paper on peas in 1865. “Why bother with classical genetics,” they may ask. “Won’t all genes be knocked out soon anyway?” Or they are intimidated by genetics, with its heavy reliance on model organisms that seem so alien. “What has C. elegans to do with me?” they may ask. “It doesn’t even have lymphocytes.” They may be unaware that the mouse is fast becoming as tractable a model organism as the fly, and that humans may not be too far behind.