This book deals with many recent advances made in uncovering the molecular and cellular basis of phagocytosis of apoptotic and necrotic dying cells as well as with the methods used for studying their clearance. There are important practical and clinical reasons for attempting to understand the molecular mechanisms of phagocytosis of dying cells, because inadequate clearance of dying cells may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus), as well as atherosclerosis and chronic lung diseases (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cystic fibrosis). Furthermore, in this book we examine the possibility of using apoptotic cells in the prevention and treatment of graft rejection and in the rational design of immunotherapy and vaccines for cancer treatment. The role of environmental factors in phagocytosis of dying cells is also addressed.This comprehensive volume integrates the most innovative and current findings from several related disciplines of scientific research, including pathology, immunology, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology. It is divided into two sections: "Molecular mechanisms of phagocytosis of dying cells" and "Impairment of phagocytosis of dying cells and its role in the development of diseases." No other recent books devoted to this subject are available.All of the contributors are experts working at the forefront of scientific discovery, and the reviews they present systematically examine the most exciting and innovative aspects of their particular areas of expertise. Both researchers and physicians will find this volume of major benefit because it covers the immunological and molecular biological aspects of phagocytosis of dying cells as well as its clinical relevance.
