Note publique d'information : Pathogen-Derived Immunomodulatory Molecules is a book title that may require some
explanation. Pathogens that are present today have evolved following a long association
with man and have developed unique strategies that have been optimized by natural
selection to subvert the host immunity. As we approach the 200th anniversary of Charles
Darwin’s birth, it is appropriate to appreciate that Darwin recognized that pathogens
(infections) play a significant and potent role in natural selection, encompassed
by the concept “infection begets natural selection”. This book therefore examines
the molecules that pathogens produce, which can modulate or usurp the functions of
the immune system. The idea of using molecules from pathogens as a therapeutic is
an ancient concept in medicine. Such a strategy is exemplified by vaccination, with
pathogen molecules employed to induce protective immunity against the given or related
species of pathogen. The following chapters explore the concept of using pathogen-derived
immune modulating molecules as a therapy. In doing so, they may provide the drug cabinet
of the future for treating a spectrum of unrelated disease. Herein, a range of immune
modulating molecules or strategies from various pathogens is examined in one volume.
The intention of the book was to have chapters addressing immunomodulating molecules
from different pathogens. The range of pathogens considered includes bacteria (chapters
by Williams, van Strijp and Rooijakkers), viruses (chapters by Bowie, McFadden), protozoan
parasites (Aliberti), helminths (Harnett, Fallon), fungi (Sorrell) and parasitic ticks
(Anguita). Chapters also address specific immunomodulatory molecules or strategies.
The diversity of aspects addressed in the book is highlighted by Lucas and colleagues
review of the ‘saga’ of viral serine proteinase inhibitors, with a focus on Serp-1,
the first new generation of pathogen immunomodulatory molecule currently in clinical
trials. While Elliott and Weinstock have contributed a provocative chapter exploring
the use of live parasitic helminth infections as a therapeutic strategy for immune-mediated
diseases; indeed trials have already been completed for such an approach. With respect
to pathogens usurping an immune pathway, Alcami and colleagues here reviewed the growing
number of pathogens that have evolved a range of molecules that can modify many aspects
of the chemokine system. This book is timely due to the need to expand the horizons
of conventional drug discovery. A trend in the biopharmaceutical pipeline of fewer
drugs to market is illustrated by USA FDA in 2007 approving the lowest number of new
molecular entities since 1983. As the drug discovery and development industry broadens
its search for new drugs to less traditional strategies, this book will be a reference
to the potential for exploiting pathogen as a source of the anti-inflammatory drugs
of the future. Finally, this book whets the appetite for the reader, whether in academia
or industry, to explore opportunities for exploiting pathogens for the discovery of
new processes in immunobiology and, ultimately, for development of new therapies for
human inflammatory diseases
paprika.idref.fr
data.idref.fr
Documentation
