Andor Szentivanyi Libri

This publication is based on a Symposium that has been held in Clearwater, Florida on February 19-21, 1986, on antibodies, their structure, synthesis, function, and clinical applicability in disease.

The publication explores the critical role of viruses in altering immune responses, particularly their immunosuppressive effects, highlighted by the emergence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It stems from a symposium sponsored by the University of South Florida College of Medicine, showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, immunologists, biochemists, oncologists, and physicians. This volume addresses current biomedical interests, emphasizing the complex interactions between viruses and the immune system, which can increase susceptibility to various infections.

Endotoxins are constituents of all gram negative bacteria, as well as many other microorganisms. Since their original discovery and study at the beginning and middle parts of this century, many investigations have been performed concerning their immunochemistry and physicochemistry, as well as their pharmacologic activities and physiologic effects on the host. It became widely recognized during the beginning of this century that the pyrogenicity of many microbial infections may be associated with endotoxins. Furthermore, some 80 years ago, attempts were begun to "treat" a variety of illnesses including neoplasia, with such "pyrogens," Le., bacterial endo- toxins. Inconclusive results were observed including some detrimental ones as well as, in some cases, beneficial ones. It became widely accepted that during infections with many gram negative organisms the fever occurring in patients, as well as many of the untoward pathophysiological effects of the infections, seemed to be due to the endotoxin the bacteria contained or released. In this regard, septic shock has been studied in detail by many clinicians, physiologists and pharmacologists and attempts have been made to relate the devastating effects of infection on metabolic and physiologic alterations caused by endotoxins. Recently, however, many beneficial effects of endotoxin have also been studied.