Alf Hamann Boeken

Written by known specialists in the field, this is a comprehensive and timely overview of a central and expanding topic. Simultaneously an introduction and a description of the latest concepts, findings and methods, the handbook provides basic knowledge on technical issues required for those intending to research in the field. It covers the functional role of involved molecules and the cellular mechanisms, and addresses selected examples for their possible application in therapy -- bridging the gap between trafficking mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, it includes selection of proven and timesaving methods for studying cell trafficking in vitro and in vivo. The accompanying CD-ROM makes leukocyte migration videos available to a broad audience for the first time.

An essential component of inflammation is the migration of circulating leukocytes from blood into tissues. This process is characterized by a multistep paradigm of sequential cell adhesion and activation events that lead to the extravasation of specific leukocyte subsets to different tissues in health and disease. The first step of leukocyte extravasation, the rolling of leukocytes, is primarily mediated by the interactions of selectins and their ligands. It has recently become evident that fucosyltransferases are crucial for selectin ligand synthesis, inflammation, and skin homing. This book provides an in-depth overview of the mechanisms of leukocyte trafficking and of the molecular mechanisms of selectin/selectin ligand interactions and discusses options for pharmacological intervention to treat inflammatory diseases.