Chaperokine is a term that describes the unique function of extracellular heat shock protein (eHsp) as both chaperone and cytokine. The cellular consequence of binding and signaling of eHsp is the stimulation of a potent and long lasting immune response. eHsp induces a plethora of immune responses including the release of bioactive mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide, apotogenic mediators, stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune response, migration and maturation of dendritic cells (DC) and the enhancement of natural killer cell-mediated cellular cytotoxicity.

This edited book provides the most comprehensive review of contemporary knowledge of the chaperokine activity of heat shock proteins (HSP) in biology and medicine. Using an integrative approach to understanding the chaperokine activity of HSP, the contributors provide an overview of novel mechanisms, signal transduction pathways and a concise understanding of how the principles of the chaperokine activity of HSP has been harnessed for therapeutic gain.

Key basic and clinical research laboratories from major universities, academic medical hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories around the world have contributed chapters that review present cutting-edge research activities and importantly, the future direction of chaperokine research. The book is a must read for researchers, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the fields of Translational Medicine, Clinical Psychology, Human Physiology, Zoology, Botany, Biotechnology, Molecular Medicine, Infectious Disease, Pathology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, as well as for researchers involved in Drug Discovery.

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