Immunological Perspectives of a Host-parasite System

Immunological Perspectives of a Host-parasite System PDF Author: Carl A. Boswell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Immunohistochemistry
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
The host snail Biomphalaria glabrata and the parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni are valuable subjects for studies evaluating and defining immunological parameters that determine the outcome of individual host-parasite encounters. In this thesis, both soluble and cellular components of the snail's hemolymph were examined to gain insight into the basis for resistance and susceptibility to the parasite. Because agglutinins have antibody-like activity (e.g. agglutinate particles with appropriate surface ligands, some have been found on cell surfaces) they are considered by many to be immunoglobulin analogs. An agglutinin was isolated from snail plasma, its physicochemical properties defined, and its possible role in the snail-parasite interaction examined. The presence of additional agglutinins is inferred from cross-adsorption experiments. It is known that the plant lectin concanavalin A binds to the surface of both hemocytes and sporocysts. I therefore tested the hypothesis that bringing hemocytes from susceptible (compatible) snails into contact with sporocysts in the presence of a cross-linking, or "bridging", reagent would result in sporocyst killing. Data are presented showing that indeed sporocyst death increased dramatically when such an encounter occurred. While hemocyte cytotoxicity is induced by Con A treatment of sporocysts, further investigation revealed that bridging between the target and effector does not appear to be the inducing mechanism. It is suggested that Con A treatment of sporocysts causes them to reveal surface markers that normally benign hemocytes recognize as foreign, which then triggers a cytotoxic reaction by the hemocytes. These results are discussed in the context of lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity reported for murine cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Studies of this type will lead to greater understanding of host-parasite immunobiology and of the evolutionary origins of the vertebrate immune system.

Immunological Perspectives of a Host-parasite System

Immunological Perspectives of a Host-parasite System PDF Author: Carl A. Boswell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Immunohistochemistry
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
The host snail Biomphalaria glabrata and the parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni are valuable subjects for studies evaluating and defining immunological parameters that determine the outcome of individual host-parasite encounters. In this thesis, both soluble and cellular components of the snail's hemolymph were examined to gain insight into the basis for resistance and susceptibility to the parasite. Because agglutinins have antibody-like activity (e.g. agglutinate particles with appropriate surface ligands, some have been found on cell surfaces) they are considered by many to be immunoglobulin analogs. An agglutinin was isolated from snail plasma, its physicochemical properties defined, and its possible role in the snail-parasite interaction examined. The presence of additional agglutinins is inferred from cross-adsorption experiments. It is known that the plant lectin concanavalin A binds to the surface of both hemocytes and sporocysts. I therefore tested the hypothesis that bringing hemocytes from susceptible (compatible) snails into contact with sporocysts in the presence of a cross-linking, or "bridging", reagent would result in sporocyst killing. Data are presented showing that indeed sporocyst death increased dramatically when such an encounter occurred. While hemocyte cytotoxicity is induced by Con A treatment of sporocysts, further investigation revealed that bridging between the target and effector does not appear to be the inducing mechanism. It is suggested that Con A treatment of sporocysts causes them to reveal surface markers that normally benign hemocytes recognize as foreign, which then triggers a cytotoxic reaction by the hemocytes. These results are discussed in the context of lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity reported for murine cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Studies of this type will lead to greater understanding of host-parasite immunobiology and of the evolutionary origins of the vertebrate immune system.

Defending Life

Defending Life PDF Author: Elling Ulvestad
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402056761
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
Defending Life discusses the relationship between hosts and parasites. It contains detailed descriptions of the immune system and the microbial world as well as methodological and conceptual clarifications. Its emphasis on analytical abstractions, coherent patterns and generative mechanisms makes possible the distinction between genuine causality and coincidental associations and increases the understanding of why we observe what we observe.

Immunity to Parasites

Immunity to Parasites PDF Author: Derek Wakelin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521436359
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Parasites cause many important diseases in humans and domestic animals, malaria being an example. Parasites have evolved to exploit hosts' bodies whereas hosts have evolved immune systems to control infections. Host-parasite interactions therefore provide fascinating examples of evolutionary 'arms-races' in which the immune system plays a key role. Modern research in immunoparasitology is directed towards understanding and exploiting the capacity to develop effective anti-parasite immunity. By concentrating on selected infections where research has made significant progress, Immunity to Parasites provides a clear account of how host immune responses operate and how parasites can evade immunity. The experimental basis of this research is emphasised throughout. This completely updated second edition includes an expanded section on anti-parasite vaccines. The text is aimed at undergraduates and postgraduates with interests in either parasitology or immunology and provides introductory sections on these topics to lead the reader into the later chapters.

Defending Life

Defending Life PDF Author: Elling Ulvestad
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9781402056758
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Defending Life discusses the relationship between hosts and parasites. It contains detailed descriptions of the immune system and the microbial world as well as methodological and conceptual clarifications. Its emphasis on analytical abstractions, coherent patterns and generative mechanisms makes possible the distinction between genuine causality and coincidental associations and increases the understanding of why we observe what we observe.

Eco-immunology

Eco-immunology PDF Author: Davide Malagoli
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401787123
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 185

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Book Description
This book represents a cutting-edge contribution giving an all-around perspective of eco-immunology today. Beside questions of the utmost importance for the whole community of immunologists, e.g, the intrinsic limits of immunological experiments performed at the bench on a limited number of selected models, the book covers several other facets of the eco-immunological approach, including host-parasite interactions, human aging and population immunology. Throughout the book the importance of population dynamics and evolutionary diversification of immune systems is frequently recalled, and makes the reader aware of the basic similarities and differences existing between humans and the models adopted for studying human immune system. The evidenced differences have been recently challenging the reliability of several established animal models and in the book it is discussed for the first time in analytical terms whether mice are reliable models of human inflammatory disorders.

Immunity to Parasitic Infection

Immunity to Parasitic Infection PDF Author: Tracey Lamb
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118393333
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 531

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Book Description
Parasitic infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. Often endemic in developing countries many parasitic diseases are neglected in terms of research funding and much remains to be understood about parasites and the interactions they have with the immune system. This book examines current knowledge about immune responses to parasitic infections affecting humans, including interactions that occur during co-infections, and how immune responses may be manipulated to develop therapeutic interventions against parasitic infection. For easy reference, the most commonly studied parasites are examined in individual chapters written by investigators at the forefront of their field. An overview of the immune system, as well as introductions to protozoan and helminth parasites, is included to guide background reading. A historical perspective of the field of immunoparasitology acknowledges the contributions of investigators who have been instrumental in developing this field of research.

Host-Parasite Relationships and the Yersinia Model

Host-Parasite Relationships and the Yersinia Model PDF Author: Akira Wake
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9783642713460
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
During the past few decades we have witnessed an era of remarkable growth in the field of molecular biology. In 1950 very little was known of the chemical constitution of biological systems, the manner in which information was transmitted from one organism to another, or the extent to which the chemical basis of life is unified. The picture today is dramatically different. We have an almost bewildering variety of information detailing many different aspects oflife at the molecular level. These great advances have brought with them some breath-taking insights into the molecular mechanisms used by nature for replicating, distributing and modifying biological information. We have learned a great deal about the chemical and physical nature of the macro molecular nucleic acids and proteins, and the manner in which carbohydrates, lipids and smaller molecules work together to provide the molecular setting of living systems. It might be said that these few decades have replaced a near vacuum of informa tion with a very large surplus. It is in the context of this flood of information that this series of monographs on molecular biology has been organized. The idea is to bring together in one place, between the covers of one book, a concise assessment of the state of the subject in a well-defined field. This will enable the reader to get a sense of historical perspective what is known about the field today - and a description of the frontiers of research where our knowledge is increasing steadily.

Biochemical, Immunological and Epidemiological Analysis of Parasitic Diseases

Biochemical, Immunological and Epidemiological Analysis of Parasitic Diseases PDF Author: P.K. Bandyopadhyay
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9789811643866
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book comprehensively reviews various vector-borne diseases and their control methods. It discusses morphology, life history, and pathogenicity of protozoan and helminth parasites. Further, it analyzes host-parasite interactions and their adaptation within the host system for understanding parasitic infections. The book discusses the complex life cycle, biochemical adaptations, and molecular biology of the parasites. It investigates the immunological response to different infectious agents and explores new targets for combined therapeutic approaches. It also summarizes the evolution of parasitism and the ecology of parasites of the different phylum. Lastly, it provides information on vector biology emphasizing the role of basic vector research in developing future disease control methods and improving upon the existing approaches.

Host Manipulation by Parasites

Host Manipulation by Parasites PDF Author: David P. Hughes
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199642230
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 247

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Book Description
Parasites that manipulate the behaviour of their hosts represent striking examples of adaptation by natural selection. This text provides an authoritative review of host manipulation by parasites that assesses developments in the field and lays out a framework for future research.

Some Biochemical and Immunological Aspects of Host-parasite Relationships Consulting Editor: Thomas C. Cheng

Some Biochemical and Immunological Aspects of Host-parasite Relationships Consulting Editor: Thomas C. Cheng PDF Author: Thomas Clement Cheng
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Immunology
Languages : en
Pages : 510

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Book Description