Part of the prestigious Novartis Foundation series, this volume uniquely addresses the use of innate immunity to treat or prevent infectious diseases of the lung.

Innate Immunity to Pulmonary Infection:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of pulmonary infectious diseases, including basic pathology, current and potential therapies, and detailed consideration of the innate biological resistance mechanisms in the lung
• Thoroughly examines the major topic of innate immunity in immunology, which is now seen as key to the pathogenesis of and vaccination strategies for infectious diseases
• Describes the genetic and environmental factors which determine the outcome of infection, such as latency of Tuberculosis, blood stream invasion from local infection, and local target tissue damage
• Covers the roles of cells such as neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells and of molecular components such as Toll-like receptors
• Discusses the clinical applications of the new knowledge regarding innate immunity and how this can be used in both treatment and prevention (vaccination) strategies
• Includes contributions from an international and interdisciplinary group of experts

Innate Immunity to Pulmonary Infection is an essential resource for researchers in both industry and academia. It is of interest for all those interested in the disciplines of immunology, virology, biology, biotechnology and genetics.

Lung infection is a major cause of morbidity and death in developing, as well as developed, countries. Whereas TB is receiving increasing attention, other aspects of lung infection, many treatable or preventable, are relatively neglected.

The subject of innate immunity has moved towards the centre of immunology and is key to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and vaccination strategies. While much has been learnt about cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate resistance to infection, this has led to little application to human diseases.

The lung is a key target for environmental pathogens, as well as for opportunistic infection, and could be a fertile source of cells and clinical/pathological materials to investigate disease in a genetically varied population. Both genetic and environmental factors that determine the outcome of infection (e.g. latency of TB, blood stream invasion from local infection, local target tissue damage) are still poorly understood.

This book features contributions from some of the world's leading scientists and clinicians working on diverse aspects of innate immunity and lung diseases.  The unique discussion sections review the state of the field and provide new insights into the key problems in this important, emerging research area.  The book provides fascinating reading for immunologists and respiratory physiologists.