About the Book Compiling an up-to-date and detailed survey of the role cytokines play in cell-to-cell communication, development, and differentiation, this comprehensive reference highlights the medical advantages of cytokine inhibition and pursues novel methods of discovery for more potent and specific blocking agents. <p/>Investigates the pathogenic role of cytokines and the potential of cytokine inhibitors as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral agents <p/>Written by 25 recognized experts revealing recent breakthroughs in research, Cytokine Inhibitors<br><li>illustrates cases of naturally produced or in vitro engineered polypeptide cytokine blocking agents <br></li><li>describes all possible approaches to cytokine inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors, engineered mutant cytokines, and small-molecular-weight receptor antagonists and signaling inhibitors <br></li><li>clearly explains the homeostatic function of cytokine inhibition and verifies therapeutic approaches effecting natural responses in organisms <br></li><li>discusses the results of clinical trials and therapeutic applications of first-generation recombinant receptor antagonists, such as the potential of tumor necrosis factor antagonists as prominent tools in the therapy of chronic inflammatory conditions <br></li><li>concentrates on the clinical development of second-generation small-molecular-weight, orally bioavailable cytokine inhibitors <br></li><li>reviews the improved understanding of intracellular signaling pathways, the structural determinants responsible for cytokine-receptor interaction <br></li><li>lists the three-dimensional structure, relevant receptors, and intracellular tyrosine kinases of cytokines <br></li><li>and much more <br>Containing over 1400 references as well as tables and drawings, Cytokine Inhibitors serves as an exemplary reference for basic and clinical immunologists; allergists; biochemists; pathologists, hematologists; experimental, cell, and molecular biologists; rheumatologists; infectious disease specialists; medicinal chemists; and medical school and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.</li>