Pathogen-Host Interactions: Antigenic Variation v. Somatic Adaptations

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ISBN 10: 3319208187 / ISBN 13: 9783319208183

Published by Palgrave Macmillan, 2015

About this Item

Zustand: Sehr gut | Seiten: 344 | Sprache: Englisch | Produktart: Bücher | 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.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Pathogen-Host Interactions: Antigenic Variation v. Somatic Adaptations
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3319208187
• ISBN 13: 9783319208183
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Sehr gut
• Seller catalogs:
  • Bücher

About this title

Synopsis

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.