Pathogen-Host Interactions: Antigenic Variation v. Somatic Adaptations

336 Seiten, Taschenbuch

Kurzbeschreibung des Verlags

This volume provides in-depth reviews of model systems that exemplify the arms race in host-pathogen interactions. Somatic adaptations are responsible for the individualization of biological responses to the environment, and the continual struggle between host immune systems and invading pathogens has given rise to corresponding processes that produce molecular variation. Whether in mollusks or human beings, various host somatic mechanisms have evolved independently, providing responses to counter rapidly-changing pathogens. The pathways they utilize can include non-heritable changes involving RNA and post-translational modifications, or changes that produce somatic DNA recombination and mutation. For infectious organisms such as protozoans and flatworms, antigenic variation is central to their survival strategy. Evolving the ability to evade the host immune system not only increases their chances of survival but is also necessary for successful re-infection within the host population.

• Reihe: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation
• Themen: Medizin Klinische und Innere Medizin Krankheiten und Störungen Immunologie
• ISBN: 9783319371825
• Sprache: Englisch
• Erscheinungsdatum: 23.08.2016
• Größe: 23.5 x 15.5 cm
• Verlag: Springer International Publishing
• Herausgegeben von: Ellen Hsu, Louis Du Pasquier