Publisher's Synopsis
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.