Immunology - continued

Radiopharmacy has come a long way since the work of Hevesey and of Blumgart and Weiss but developments in instrumentation, chemistry and immunology continue to offer new horizons and new challenges for the future. 

Advances in immunology during the last part of the twentieth century have continued at a rapid rate and cytokines and immune cells having specific markers continue to be defined. A number of natural and synthetic immunotherapeutic agents have been discovered that can modulate components of the normal or aberrant immune system, through stimulation or suppression. However, most of these substances also have inherent adverse side effects. 

Bacteria produce chromosomady and R-plasmid (resistance factor) mediated P-lactamases. The plasmid-mediated enzymes can cross interspecific and intergeneric boundaries. This transfer of resistance via plasmid transfer between strains and even species has enhanced the problems of P-lactam antibiotic resistance. Many species previously controded by P-lactam antibiotics are now resistant. The chromosomal P-lactamases are species specific, but can be broadly classified by substrate profile, sensitivity to inhibitors, analytical isoelectric focusing, immunological studies, and molecular weight deterrnination. Individual enzymes may inactivate primarily penicillins, cephalosporins, or both, and the substrate specificity predeterrnines the antibiotic resistance of the producing strain. Some P-lactamases are produced only in the presence of the P-lactam antibiotic (inducible) and others are produced continuously (constitutive). 

On the other hand, cNOS is continuously expressed in the ceils, and upon stimulation of the cell, the formation of NO begins immediately. However, the amounts of NO produced are minute. The nature of NO in cells expressing cNOS is only to act as a messenger molecule, whereas NO has also other functions in cells expressing iNOS. For example, NO has bacteria and cell killing properties in immunological cells, such as phagocytes. ... 

A foil discussion of each of the above categories of biological medicines and related agents covered by each of the categories is beyond the scope of this brief essay. However, ImmunoFacts is the most current and comprehensive collection of immunologic and vaccine information and is continuously updated for clinical application, including side effects [5]. 

Apart from offering a new and highly specific approach to the inhibition of herpesviruses, this new mechanism of action could potentially also have beneficial immunological consequences. During treatment with BAY 38-4766, viral protein synthesis continues, but due to the lack of monomeric genomic length DNA, only empty particles (dense bodies) can be formed. It is conceivable that these non-infections viral particles could aid the establishment of an antiviral immune response, leading to better control of the virus by the host. This mechanism appears... 

Formerly published as Progress in Allergy (Founded 1939), continued 1990-2002 as Chemical Immunology ... 

Ongoing clinical trials continue to assess the efficacy of recombinant interferon preparations in treating a variety of cancers. Some trials suggest that treatments are most effective when administered in the early stages of cancer development. rhIFN-as have also proven effective in the treatment of various viral conditions, most notably viral hepatitis. Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver. It may be induced by toxic substances, immunological abnormalities, or by viruses (infectious hepatitis). The main viral causative agents are ... 

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