Book Reviews

TNF Pathophysiology

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

G Kollias and P. P. Sfikakis (eds.). Vol. 11 of “Current Directions in Autoimmunity”, A. N. Theofilopoulos (ed.). Karger Publishers, Basel (2010). ISBN 978-3-8055-9383-0, ISSN 1422-2132. VIII + 216 pages, 15 figures, 5 tables, hard cover. EUR 134.50; CHF 188.00; USD 188.00.

TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a multifunctional pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine and is pivotal to the development as well as homeostasis of the immune system. It plays a central role e. g. in cell activation, cell differentiation and cell death and is involved in a multitude of biological processes such as infectious diseases, acute and chronic inflammation and tumor response.

In the last decades scientific insights and clinical interests in TNF increased enormously. A vast amount of data has been accumulated at the biochemical, molecular and cellular level, establishing TNF as a proto-type for in-depth understanding of the physiological and pathogenic functions of cytokines in immunity which finally leads to a better understanding of options for corresponding drug discovery strategies. These aspects are comprehensively brought together in this volume.

For a better information the chapters of the book are listed below: Cellular Mechanisms of TNF Function in Models of Inflammation and Autoimmunity (Apostolaki M et al); Transcriptional Control of the TNF Gene (Falvo TV et al); Posttranscriptional Regulation of TNF mRNA: A Paradigm of Signal-Dependent mRNA Utilization and Its Relevance to Pathology (Stamou P et al); Role of TNF in Pathologies Induced by Nuclear Factor KB Deficiency (Vlantis K et al); Type I Interferon: A New Player in TNF Signaling (Yarilina A et al); T Cells as Sources and Targets of TNF: Implications for Immunity and Autoimmunity (Chatzidakis I et al); TNF-alpha: An Activator of CD4 + FoxP3 + TNFR2 + Regulatory T Cells (Chen X et al); TNF and Bone (David J-P et al); TNF-alpha and Obesity (Tzanavari T et al); TNF in Host Resistance of Tuberculosis Infection (Quesniaux VFJ et al); The First Decade of Biologic TNF Antagonists in Clinical Practice: Lessons Learned, Unresolved Issues and Future Directions (Sfikakis PP).

Herewith, this volume of the Karger book series “Current Directions in Autoimmunity” covers the actual scientific insight into TNF regulation and function, including transcriptional and posttranscriptional control mechanisms, cellular modes of action, signaling pathways and networks that mediate the effects as well as the involvement in pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of TNF antagonists. Namely the clinical efficacy of the monoclonal anti-TNF antibodies infliximab and adalimumab as well as the soluble TNF receptor etanercept are perfectly reflected by Petros Sfikakis under this perspective.

Taken all together the monography excellently combines basic science at the molecular and cellular level with in vivo research of diseases in animal models and clinical findings in humans to provide a comprehensive review of recent developments and scientific state of the art in TNF research. This thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which this key molecular player is produced and functions to regulate cell biology, immunity and disease postulates novel paradigms on how genes contribute to the development and physiology of biological cytokine function.

All chapters are of high quality, very properly written and coherently edited. The literature references are extensively and reflect the recent situation. Concerning internationality of the authors, most chapters are written by reputated Greek authors which does not limit the quality of this monography. The index of this book is rather restrictive and short which indeed allows a faster link to the corresponding issues.

The monography makes TNF much more transparent and is mainly focused on a circle of readers such as scientists in molecular and cell biology, immunologists, but it is also informative for clinicians with scientific ambitions interested in TNF and cytokine pathways. The reviewer considers the price of this monography as absolutely reasonable.

Axel Schmidt, Witten/Herdecke