Immunotherapies for Neurologic Diseases, Volume 214 explores how neuroimmunotherapies intervene by targeting key molecules and pathways responsible for tissue damage in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The book details approved treatments that modulate T-cell signaling, antigen presentation, B cells and their trophic factors, autoantibodies, Fc receptors, complement, cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules. Each chapter includes clear explanations and illustrations, helping clinicians understand the mechanisms of these drugs in autoimmune neurological diseases. The volume serves as a practical and comprehensive guide, making complex therapeutic approaches accessible to medical professionals and students.
The second section highlights the latest therapies for major autoimmune neurological diseases, offering step-by-step algorithms and escalation strategies for selecting optimal treatments. Controversies and uncertainties in therapy choices are discussed by leading experts, while additional chapters address emerging immunotherapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and the evolving concept of treating autoimmune pain. The book also covers practical applications of traditional immunosuppressants, IVIg, and targeted monoclonal antibodies, with dedicated chapters on conditions such as encephalitis, NMOSD, multiple sclerosis, and stiff person syndrome.
Dalakas, Marinos C.: - Dr. Marinos Dalakas is Professor of Neurology and Director of the Neuromuscular Division at Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He is Professor of Neurology and Chief of the Neuroimmunology Laboratory in the Department of Pathophysiology at the University of Athens Medical School in Athens, where he has been Emeritus Professor since 2016. Dr. Dalakas is an appointed member in various scientific societies and is a member of the American Neurological Association, the American Academy of Neurology, the European Neurological Society, and the International Society of Greek Neuroscientists, among other professional organizations.
Dr. Dalakas has published widely. His areas of research are broad and include neuroimmunology, neurovirology, genetics, and immunotherapies in neurologic diseases. He has focused on neuropathies, myopathies, dystrophies, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and various autoimmune neurological disorders, with the application and design of new treatments.
He completed a 3-year fellowship training in neuromuscular diseases at the Medical Neurology Branch of the NINCDS in Bethesda, Maryland and an additional 5-year training in Neuroimmunology/Neurovirology at NINDS. He subsequently served as Chief of the Neuromuscular Diseases Section of the NINDS, NIH, a position he held for 20 years before joining Thomas Jefferson University.
