Immune Recognition and Evasion: Molecular Aspects of Host-Parasite Interaction

Immune Recognition and Evasion: Molecular Aspects of Host-Parasite Interaction reviews recent advances in understanding the genetic basis of host-parasite interactions, with emphasis on antigenic epitopes, the genetics of parasites, the molecular mechanisms of immune recognition and evasion, and the way that cytokines and hormones act on host-parasite interactions. Organized into four parts encompassing 25 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the genomic organization of the T cell receptor genes and the contribution of non-B DNA structures to switch recombination in immunoglobulin genes. It then discusses signal transduction by class II molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex la and the biological consequences of this process; allelic polymorphism of HLA class II antigens and its connection to the molecular basis of autoimmunity; mimicry between HLAB27 and bacteria; and genetic control of susceptibility to helminth infection. The reader is also introduced to recognition of protein antigens by antibodies; recognition of influenza antigens by class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes; the biochemical basis of cachexia of infection; mechanisms of antigenic variation in Plasmodium; and rational design of trypanocidal drugs. Geneticists and molecular biologists will gain valuable information from this book.

PrefacePart I Mechanisms and Genetic Control of Immune Recognition 1 Genomic Organization of the T Cell Receptor Introduction Genomic Organization of the T Cell Receptor Genes Conclusion References 2 Contribution of Non-B DNA Structures to Switch Recombination in Immunoglobulin Genes Introduction Results Discussion References 3 Biological Consequences of Signal Transduction by Class II Molecules Encoded by the Major Histocompatibility Complex la Introduction Results and Discussion Conclusions References 4 Allelic Polymorphism of HLA Class II Antigens: Clues to the Molecular Basis of Autoimmunity Introduction M H C Class II Structure and Function HLA and Disease Conclusions References 5 Mimicry between HLA-B27 and Bacteria: A Spurious Finding or the Link Connecting HLA-B27 and Arthritogenic Bacteria? Introduction Cross-Reactivity Using Monoclonal Anti-B 2 7 Antibodies Evidence for Mimicry Using Synthetic Peptides General Conclusion References 6 Genetic Control of Predisposition to Helminth Infection Introduction Generation of Predisposition Analysis of Genetically Determined Predisposition Conclusions ReferencesPart II Structure of Antigenic Epitopes: Parasite Antigens 7 Recognition of Protein Antigens by Antibodies: Crystal Structure of Antibody Fab Fragments Complexed with Influenza Virus Neuraminidase Introduction Structure of Fab-NA Complexes Escape Mutants Structure of Escape Mutants Mechanisms of Inhibition of NA Activity by Antibody Antibody Distortion References 8 Recognition of Influenza Antigens by Class I-Restricted Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Introduction Slightly Altered Versions of Self How Are Cytoplasmic Antigens Recognized at the Cell Surface? Recent Work References 9 The Origin of the Autoimmune Pathology Associated with Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Introduction Conclusions References 10 Advances toward a Vaccine against Schistosomiasis Introduction Protective Immunity against Schistosomes Target Antigens of Immunity Conclusions References 11 Stress Proteins as Immune Targets in Bacterial and Parasitic Infections Introduction Results and Discussion ReferencesPart III Cytokines and Hormones in Host-Parasite Interaction 12 Autocrine-Stimulated Immortalization of Lymphocytes by the Parasite Theileria parva Introduction Life Cycle Lymphocyte Proliferation in Vitro Growth of Theileria in Nonbovine Cells and Animals Host-Parasite Relationship References 13 Characteristics, Distribution, and Possible Evolutionary Importance of the Human Growth Hormone-Like Factor from Plerocercoids of the Tapeworm Genus Spirometra Introduction Characteristics of Growth Hormone Characteristics of Plerocercoid Growth Factor Possible Adaptive Roles for Plerocercoid Growth Factor Summary and Hypothesis References 14 The Biochemical Basis of Cachexia of Infection Introduction History of the Isolation of Cachectin Catabolic Cellular Responses to Cachectin/TNF Cachectin TNF-Induced Cachexia Summary and Future Directions ReferencesPart IV Genetic Mechanisms in Immune Evasion: Molecular Genetics of Parasitic Organisms 15 Escape from the Host Humoral Response: Examples from Two Microbial Pathogens Text References 16 Multiphasic Antigenic Variation in the Bacterium that Causes Relapsing Fever Introduction Biology of Relapsing Fever The Varia