Bacterial CpG-DNA sequences not only serve for genetic information but act as "danger" signal to alert immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. CpG-DNA directly causes activation of these members of the innate immune system yielding in up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines. As such they act as "natural" adjuvants to promote protective Th1 polarized T cell immune responses. This book is the first comprehensive review of the data emerging in this field.

List of Contents

Mechanism of Action of CpG DNA
Oligodeoxyribonucleotides with 5'-ACGT-3' or 5'-TCGA-3' Sequence Induce Production of Interferons
Macrophage Activation by Immunostimulatory DNA
Consequences of Bacterial CpG DNA-Driven Activation of Antigen-Presenting Cells
Signal Transduction Pathways Activated by CpG-DNA
CpG DNA Co-Stimulates Antigen-Reactive T Cells
Role of Type I Interferons in T Cell Activation Induced by CpG DNA
Hematopoietic Remodeling Triggered by CpG DNA
CpG DNA Augments the Immunogenicity of Plasmid DNA Vaccines
The Role of Bacterial DNA in Autoantibody Induction
CpG DNA in Cancer Immunotherapy
Use of CpG DNA for Enhancing Specific Immune Responses
Immunostimulatory-Sequence DNA is an Effective Mucosal Adjuvant
CpG DNA Switches on Th1 Immunity and Modulates Antigen-Presenting Cell Function
Effects of CpG DNA on Th1/Th2 Balance in Asthma
Responses of Human B Cells to DNA and Phosphorothioate Oligodeoxynucleotides.