Synopses & Reviews
Complex molecular mechanisms involving microbiology andimmunology define the host-pathogen relationship. These mechanisms canbe the basis for new drugs and vaccine design. This book providesinformation on the molecular interactions between host cell organellesand pathogens, which have developed strategies to survive withininfected cells.Chapters are grouped into five sections: "I. Endocytosis and""phagocytosis." Collectively, the chapters of this section reviewbasic knowledge regarding intracellular organelles are involved inmembrane interactions with pathogen-containing vacuoles. "II.Professional and" "non-professional phagocytes." Here theauthors describe the major differences between the two host celltypes, which can be infected by microorganisms. "III. Maturationpathways of bacteria-containing" "vacuoles." Molecularinteractions between vacuoles and intracellular organelles leading tothe search of the Holy Grail, the replication niche, are described."IV. Host response." Host cells are able to react againstintruders and eventually mount host responses. In these chapters thevarious types of host response mechanisms against intracellularintruders are reviewed. "V. Co-evolution." In these finalchapters, the question is addressed of whether knowledge ofbacteria-host cell interactions will be acquired fast enough to findthe necessary tools for controlling microorganism development.This comprehensive book appeals to scientists interested in cellbiology, microbiology and immunology, as well as toclinically-oriented investigators concerned with infectious diseases.