Bacterial CpG-DNA sequences not only serve for genetic information but act as "danger" signal to alert immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. CpG-DNA directly causes activation of these members of the innate immune system yielding in up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines. As such they act as "natural" adjuvants to promote protective Th1 polarized T cell immune responses. This book is the first comprehensive review of the data emerging in this field.

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
List of Contents.- Mechanism of Action of CpG DNA.- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides with 5'-ACGT-3' or 5'-TCGA-3' Sequence Induce Production of Interferons.- Macrophage Activation by Immunostimulatory DNA.- Consequences of Bacterial CpG DNA-Driven Activation of Antigen-Presenting Cells.- Signal Transduction Pathways Activated by CpG-DNA.- CpG DNA Co-Stimulates Antigen-Reactive T Cells.- Role of Type I Interferons in T Cell Activation Induced by CpG DNA.- Hematopoietic Remodeling Triggered by CpG DNA.- CpG DNA Augments the Immunogenicity of Plasmid DNA Vaccines.- The Role of Bacterial DNA in Autoantibody Induction.- CpG DNA in Cancer Immunotherapy.- Use of CpG DNA for Enhancing Specific Immune Responses.- Immunostimulatory-Sequence DNA is an Effective Mucosal Adjuvant.- CpG DNA Switches on Th1 Immunity and Modulates Antigen-Presenting Cell Function.- Effects of CpG DNA on Th1/Th2 Balance in Asthma.- Responses of Human B Cells to DNA and Phosphorothioate Oligodeoxynucleotides.