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This book provides a detailed overview of B-cell directed therapies in patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, ANCA-associated vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia. Organ-specific autoimmune diseases are discussed with respect to the use of B-cell directed therapies in neurological autoimmune diseases and autoimmune cytopenias. Situations in which B-cell targeted therapy may be indicated are identified, thereby offering comprehensive support for therapeutic decisions on the basis of the latest published evidence. The book also offers a valuable reference tool for rheumatologists, internists, nephrologists, immunologists, and all specialists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases.

The ambitious goal of this volume is to provide – in chapters written by accomplished scientists and experts in their field – a comprehensive overview of the currently available information related to the therapeutic utility of adult bone marrow-derived cells. With excitement generated almost daily about the possible uses of stem cells to treat human disease, but the controversy surrounding their use still raging, adult bone-marrow derived cells are more readily available, and have a staggering range of uses.

Over the past five years the major importance of cytokines in the regulation of the immune system has become established. This book is the first to review the role of these factors in the control of growth of differentiation of B lymphocytes and thus represents an up-to-date and timely overview of the B-cell response.For the immunologist, there are detailed accounts of the physio-chemical properties of the relevant cytokines and their effect on B lymphocytes from the level of receptor signalling, through ontogeny, activation and proliferation to the expression of specific immunoglobulin isotypes. For the clinician, the involvement of cytokines in disease and normal immune response is discussed.