Download or read book Human Genetics and the Immune System written by Ronnee Yashon and published by Momentum Press. This book was released on 2019-08-20 with total page 59 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Illness is a part of life. For many years we have known about disease. But we were not always so smart. The Black Plague ravaged Europe between 1347-1352 and killed 30-80 MILLION people. No one knew how people caught the condition and lots of ideas failed–people just died. But not everyone died; possibly their immune systems help them fight off these “invaders”. Today we know about bacteria, viruses, cancers and other invaders and we usually let them run their course. That is because our bodies detect and fight them. That is immunity.
Download or read book Human Genetics The Basics written by Ricki Lewis and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2016-12-08 with total page 207 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning: • The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness • Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing • The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.
Download or read book The Past and the Future of Human Immunity Under Viral Evolutionary Pressure written by Gkikas Magiorkinis and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2019-12-04 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a long-standing evolutionary battle between viruses and their hosts that continues to be waged. The evidence of this conflict can be found on both sides, with the human immune system being responsive to new viral challenges and viruses having developed often sophisticated countermeasures. The “arms race” between viruses and hosts can be thought as an example of the “Red Queen” race, an evolutionary hypothesis inspired from the dialogue of Alice with the Red Queen in Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking-Glass”. At the same time, viruses have a minimal genomic content as they have evolved to hitchhike biological machinery of their hosts (or other co-infecting viruses). The minimalistic viral genome could be thought as the result of a “Black Queen” evolution, a theory inspired from the card game Heart, where the winner is the one with the fewest points at the end. The effects of this arms race are evident in the evolution of the human immune system. This system is capable of responding to diverse viral challenges, utilizing both the ancient innate immune system and the more recently evolved adaptive immune system of jawed vertebrates. It is now well-known that the two systems are linked, with innate immunity hypothesized to have provided raw material for the emergence of the adaptive immune response. The adaptive immune response comprises several protein families (including B and T cell receptors, MHC and KIR proteins, for example) that are encoded by complex and variable genomic regions. This complexity enables for responsive genetic changes to occur in immune cells, such as the ability of genomic hypervariable regions in B cells to recombine in order to produce more specific antibodies. Indeed, the human immune system is thought to be continually evolving via various mechanisms such as changes in the genes encoding immune receptors and the regulatory sequences that control their expression. For example, there is some evidence that exogenous viral infections can alter the expression of endogenous retroviruses, some of which contribute to the immune response. Viral countermeasures can include encoding decoy receptors for the signalling molecules of the immune response, altering the gene expression of adaptive immune cells during chronic infection or using host enzymes to facilitate viral immune escape. As the articles herein show, the immune system continues to be challenged by viral infections and these challenges continue to shape how the immune system combats pathogens, thus viruses and human immunity are continuously part of “Red and Black Queen” evolutionary dynamics. We had the pleasure of working with Jonas Blomberg as a reviewer during the course of the Research Topic and his untimely passing was a great loss. Prof. Blomberg made significant contributions, including to the nomenclature of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), the evolution and characterization of specific human ERV (HERV) and the contribution of ERVs to diseases such as cancer. It is with great respect for his contributions to the ERV field that we dedicate this eBook to his memory.
Download or read book Human Immunogenetics written by S. D. Litwin and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-10-28 with total page 849 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Delineating fundamental concepts of contemporary immunogenetics, this reference/text examines specific immunogenetic systems in terms of molecular biochemistry and immunophysiology. Covers material in diverse fields, including infectious diseases, cell biology, virology, molecular genetics. Comprise
Download or read book Immunology and Evolution of Infectious Disease written by Steven A. Frank and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2002-07-21 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Publisher Description
Download or read book Molecular Biology of The Cell written by Bruce Alberts and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book It Takes a Genome written by Greg Gibson and published by FT Press. This book was released on 2008-12-24 with total page 207 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human beings have astonishing genetic vulnerabilities. More than half of us will die from complex diseases that trace directly to those vulnerabilities, and the modern world we’ve created places us at unprecedented risk from them. In It Takes a Genome, Greg Gibson posits a revolutionary new hypothesis: Our genome is out of equilibrium, both with itself and its environment. Simply put, our genes aren’t coping well with modern culture. Our bodies were never designed to subsist on fat and sugary foods; our immune systems weren’t designed for today’s clean, bland environments; our minds weren’t designed to process hard-edged, artificial electronic inputs from dawn ‘til midnight. And that’s why so many of us suffer from chronic diseases that barely touched our ancestors. Gibson begins by revealing the stunningly complex ways in which multiple genes cooperate and interact to shape our bodies and influence our behaviors. Then, drawing on the very latest science, he explains the genetic “mismatches” that increasingly lead to cancer, diabetes, inflammatory and infectious diseases, AIDS, depression, and senility. He concludes with a look at the probable genetic variations in human psychology, sharing the evidence that traits like introversion and agreeableness are grounded in equally complex genetic interactions. It Takes A Genome demolishes yesterday’s stale debates over “nature vs. nurture,” introducing a new view that is far more intriguing, and far closer to the truth. See how broken genes cause cancer Meet the body’s “genetic repairmen”—and understand what happens when they fail The growing price of the modern lifestyle Why one-third of all Westerners have obesity, Type 2 diabetes, or other signs of “metabolic syndrome” The Alzheimer’s generation Why some of us are predisposed to dementia What’s really normal: the deepest lessons of the human genome The remarkable diversity of physical and emotional “normality”
Download or read book The Immunoglobulin FactsBook written by Marie-Paule Lefranc and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2001-05-23 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The FactsBook series has established itself as the best source of easily accessible and accurate facts about protein groups. Books in the series use an easy-to-follow format and are meticulously researched and compiled by experts in the field.The Immunoglobulin FactsBook is the first published reference for all 203 human functional and ORF immunoglobulin genes. It is complete and standardized and employs nomenclature approved by the HUGO Nomenclature Committee.
Download or read book The Compatibility Gene written by Daniel Michael Davis and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2014 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are far-reaching consequences of the way our body has evolved to fight disease. This book describes how genes link our struggle with disease to compatibility with others, the wiring of our brain, and success in pregnancy.
Download or read book Genetics of the Immune Response written by Erna Moller and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-08 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 55th Nobel Symposium entitled "Genetics of the Immune Response" took place in Saltsjobaden, Sweden, June 15 - 17, 1982. The topic was selected for several reasons, such as the rapid progress in the genetic analysis of immunoglobulin and MHC genes and the elucidation of the mechanism of switch to different immunoglobulin classes and subclasses. The genetic advances formed a basis for discussions of problems relating to regulation of T cell subsets, mechanisms of activation and regulation of B cell differentiation and an analysis of the network hypothesis. The format of the symposium was arranged so as to include two sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each session was introduced by one speaker, followed by free discussion. The intro ductory lectures are included in the proceedings. The participants summarized their contributions to the discussion in written form. In addi tion to the closed sessions, there was one open session at the Karolinska Institute with lectures by Drs. L. Hood, C. Milstein, D. Baltimore, J. Klein and B. Benacerraf, which are not included in these procee din gs. The symposium was sponsored by the Nobel Foundation and its Nobel Symposium Committee through grants from the Tercentenary Fund of the Bank of Sweden and the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The Swedish Medical Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society and the Swedish Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs also made contri butions.
Download or read book Janeway s Immunobiology written by Kenneth Murphy and published by Garland Science. This book was released on 2010-06-22 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Janeway's Immunobiology CD-ROM, Immunobiology Interactive, is included with each book, and can be purchased separately. It contains animations and videos with voiceover narration, as well as the figures from the text for presentation purposes.
Download or read book Chimpanzees in Biomedical and Behavioral Research written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-12-05 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For many years, experiments using chimpanzees have been instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and have led to new medicines to prevent life-threatening and debilitating diseases. However, recent advances in alternate research tools have rendered chimpanzees largely unnecessary as research subjects. The Institute of Medicine, in collaboration with the National Research Council, conducted an in-depth analysis of the scientific necessity for chimpanzees in NIH-funded biomedical and behavioral research. The committee concludes that while the chimpanzee has been a valuable animal model in the past, most current biomedical research use of chimpanzees is not necessary, though noted that it is impossible to predict whether research on emerging or new diseases may necessitate chimpanzees in the future.
Download or read book Genes in Medicine written by I. Rasko and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 1994-09-30 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This stimulating book bridges the gap between molecular biology and human genetics. Specifically written for medical students and human geneticists, it is a valuable guide to a rapidly moving field.
Download or read book Immunogenomics and Human Disease written by Andras Falus and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2006-03-30 with total page 548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an overview of key conceptual and molecular technologies being deployed in immunogenomics, followed by detailed evaluations of the impact of genomics and systems biology on important areas such as cancer immunology, autoimmunity, allergy and the response to infection.
Download or read book Origin and Evolution of the Vertebrate Immune System written by L. Du Pasquier and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The comparative approach to immunology can be traced to the era of Pasteur and Metchnikov in which observations regarding foreign recognition in invertebrates was a factor in the develop ment of the principal concepts that created the foundation of what now is the broad field of immunology. With each major experimental and conceptual breakthrough, the classical, albeit essential, question has been asked "are the immune systems of phylogenetically primitive vertebrates and invertebrates similar to that of mammals?" Somewhat surprisingly for the jawed verte brates, the general answer has been a qualified form of "yes", whereas for agnathans and invertebrate phyla it has been "no" so far. The apparent abruptness in the appearance of the immune system of vertebrates is linked to the introduction of the somatic generation of the diversity of its antigen specific receptors. Therefore the questions regarding the origin and evolution of the specific immune system revolve around this phenomenon. With respect to the origin of the system (aside from the or igin of the rearranging machinery itself, the study of which is still in its infancy) one can ask questions about the cellular and mo lecular contexts in which the mechanism was introduced.
Download or read book Encyclopedia of Human Genetics and Disease 2 volumes written by Evelyn B. Kelly and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2013-01-07 with total page 993 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This two-volume encyclopedia examines the history, characteristics, causes, and treatment of genetic disease, as well as the science of genetics itself. Modern science has unlocked many of the mysteries of genetics, providing a blueprint for understanding the origins behind previously mysterious ailments and conditions, both common and uncommon. A complete understanding remains elusive, however: geneticists are still refining theories about what causes chromosomes to mutate, and genetic diseases remain difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. This fascinating reference explores the scientific and human aspects of this complex field of science. Encyclopedia of Human Genetics and Disease features nearly 400 entries, including well-known genetic diseases, rare and lesser-known genetic diseases, and the genetic factors that may contribute to common diseases and health conditions, such as breast cancer and obesity. The author presents in-depth discussions of concepts essential to understanding genetic disease in 18 entries that provide background on key topics, such as "Genetics 101," the genome and the foundations of genetics, genetic counseling, and newborn screening. Each of the 355 disorders profiled provides the history of the condition, its prevalence, causes, treatment (if any), and further reading. Interesting sidebars and compelling photos that help inform content accompany many entries.
Download or read book Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-01-05 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.