Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has become a highly prominent focus in modern biology and medical research, according to editor Elkon (rheumatology, U. of Washington), who presents 11 papers discussing the three major areas of apoptosis research: extrinsic death receptor pathways, intrinsic death pathways, and mechanisms responsible apoptic cell clearance. For each of theses sections, proteins and signal transduction pathways are delineated and genetic alterations that lead to autoimmune diseases are described. Specific topics discussed include inherited and acquired death receptor defects in human autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome; tumor necrosis factor ligand-receptor superfamily and arthritis; mitochondria, apoptosis, and autoimmunity; mitochondria, cell death, and B cell tolerance; role of complement and other innate immune mechanisms in the removal of apoptotic cells; MFG-E8-dependent clearance of apoptotic cells and autoimmunity caused by its failure; clearance of apoptotic cells is human systemic lupus erythematosus; and apoptosis and glomerulonephritis. Annotation © 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
