During the past decade, the rapid growth of molecular and cellular knowledge of macrophages, as a specialized host defense and homeostatic system, has begun to offer attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Macrophages play a central role in a wide range of disease processes, from genetically determined lysosomal storage diseases, to acute sepsis, chronic inflammation and repair, tissue injury and cell death. Under- or overactivity of macrophage clearance, immune effector functions and responses to metabolic abnormalities contribute to common disorders such as autoimmunity, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and major infections including AIDS and Tuberculosis. Whilst the goals of therapeutic intervention based on improved understanding of macrophage functions and their contribution to pathogenesis may seem self evident, there are considerable difficulties in producing useful new agents.

The present volume covers a range of subjects and provides opportunities for a more focused macrophage-targeted approach. The individual chapters review selected topics briefly, to place cellular processes and molecular targets in perspective. Overall, the volume should provide a broad sample of the state of the art. Useful reviews and references in the literature are cited within individual chapters.

List of Contents

1. General
The Macrophage as a Validated Pharmaceutical Target
Transcription Factors that Regulate Macrophage Development and Function
Exploitation of Macrophage Clearance Functions In Vivo
Reaching the Macrophages: Routes of Delivery
Antigen Presenting Cells and Vaccine Design
Macrophage-Specific Gene Targeting In Vivo
2. Macrophage Targets in Inflammation
Integrins of Macrophages and Macrophage-Like Cells
Macrophage Targets in Inflammation: Purinergic Receptors
Macrophage Lipid Uptake and Foam Cell Formation
Dietary Fatty Acids and Macrophages
Macrophages as Therapeutic Targets in Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Nuclear Receptors as Regulators of Macrophage Homeostasis and Function
Relationships between Reactive Oxygen Species and Reactive Nitrogen Oxide Species Produced by Macrophages
Proteases
Targeting the Chemokine System
Antimicrobial Peptides
Macrophage Phospholipid Products
3. Modulation of Specialised Macrophage Activities
Dendritic Cells Versus Macrophages as Antigen-Presenting Cells: Common and Unique Features
The Osteoclast
Macrophages in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System
Innate Recognition of Viruses by Macrophage and Related Receptors: Potential Ligand for Antiviral Agents
Macrophage Immunity and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Detection and Control of Fungi by Macrophages: The Role of Carbohydrates and Antifungal Agents.