Over the last decade, cytokine research has emerged as one of the most exciting and critical fields for providing fundamental knowledge of normal and abnormal human development. Today, it is apparent that cytokines orchestrate growth from the early embryonic stage to maturity and are responsible for the normal function of virtually every organ system. Furthermore, virtually all disease states have been associated, at least in part, with cytokine aberrations.
In this volume, the editors have brought together internationally known experts in the field of interleukin research to provide a comprehensive review of the biology of the interleukins and their role in both health and illness, while maintaining a balance between the basic science and clinical aspects. Cytokines: Interleukins and their Receptors should be of interest to a wide variety of researchers including clinical hematologists, oncologists, immunologists, in addition to medical and PhD students and researchers with an interest in cytokines.

Inhalt

1. Receptors for Hematopoietic Regulatory Cytokines: Overview of Structure and Function.- 2. Control of Thrombocytopoiesis: Current State of the Art.- 3. Interleukin-1 and its Inhibitors: Implications for Disease Biology and Therapy.- 4. Interleukin-2: Its Rationale and Role in the Treatment of Patients with Cancer.- 5. Interleukin-3 and Its Receptor.- 6. Structure and Function of Interleukin 4 and Its Receptor.- 7. Interleukin-5: Overview.- 8. Interleukin-6: A Comprehensive Review.- 9. Interleukin-7 and Lymphopoiesis: Biological and Clinical Implications.- 10. A Novel Leukocyte Chemotactic and Activating Cytokine, Interleukin 8 (IL-8).- 11. Interleukin 9: Structural Characteristics and Biologic Properties.- 12. Interleukin 10 (IL-10).- 13. Interleukin (IL)-11 and its Receptor: Biology and Potential Clinical Applications in Thrombocytopenic States.- 14. Interleukin-12: A Pivotal Regulator of Cell-Mediated Immunity.- 15. Interleukin-13: Characterization and Biologic Properties.