Lymphocyte Homing to the Skin

Over the last decade, enormous progress in the understanding of T-cell homing has made it possible to identify the multitude of molecules involved, such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, and to unravel their complex interactions resulting in controlled, non-random T-cell recirculation. These insights are now being explored therapeutically, with several compounds close to approval. Highlighting key findings in the field, Lymphocyte Homing to the Skin: Immunology, Immunopathology, and Therapeutic Perspectives brings insight to the physiology and pathophysiology of T-cell homing as a process, as well as to the manipulation of this process for therapeutic benefit. The book begins with a review of the role of T-lymphocytes in skin biology, followed by coverage of the process of lymphocyte recruitment, and lymphocyte homing to the skin. Subsequent chapters describe in vitro techniques to investigate lymphocyte extravasation, in vivo methods to study lymphocyte homing to the skin, and cutaneous T-lymphocytic infiltrates in skin pathology. The text concludes with discussions on translating cutaneous T-cell recruitment to patients. Providing a timely update on T-cell homing, this book clarifies our understanding of this complex process and offers guidance on potential therapies. It fulfills the needs of those involved in skin biology, skin toxicology, and dermatology, and proposes new directions for innovative research.