Overexpression and Knockout of Cytokines in Transgenic Mice (Current Cytokines)

Cytokines are a steadily growing family of molecules which play a major role in intercellular communication. Key questions for the cytokine researcher today include 'which cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of a disease or immune response', 'when do these cytokines function' and 'which of their many activities are relevant in vivo'. The intricate ways in which they act, often with the exhibition of pleiotropic or synergistic effects, make the study of cytokine biology complicated, and the results potentially ambiguous using conventional systems. As a consequence, many investigators are now utilizing the powerful tools of transgenic technology to address some of these questions. Written by the leading authorities in the field, this book describes the achievements realized so far, and clearly demonstrates the feasibility of using this approach to study the expression of this group of biologically important substances.