These papers provide an overview of research in the molecular biology, genetic, and clinical aspects of phagocytes - cells that play an important role in infection, immunity and inflammation. The pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the development of related diseases are discussed.

This volume provides a multidisciplinary overview of research in the molecular biology, genetic and clinical aspects of phagocytes, cells that play a very important role in infection, immunity and inflammation. The pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the development of phagocyte and phagocyte-related diseases are discussed, and the book brings together recent advances in the basic research that leads to improved diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. "Phagocytes: Biology, Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacotherapeutics" assesses the existing knowledge in the field and identifies directions for future research.

Part 1 Introduction: Inflammation and Anti-Inflammation. Part 2 Physiology: New Molecules of Inflammation
The Phagocyte System
Chemoattractant Receptors
Fc Receptors
Signal Transduction
NADPH-Oxidase
Cytoskeleton
Rolling and Adhesion
Endothelium. Part 3 Pathology: Phagocytic Disorders
Oxidative Metabolic Burst of Phagocyte
Haematopoietic Growth Factors and Phagocytes
Inflammatory Cytokines
Apoptosis
Host Tissue Damage
Phagocytes and Atherosclerosis
Ischaemic Injury
Microglial Cells and Neuronal Damage. Part 4 Clinical Aspects: Cytokine Antagonists
Phagocytes and Kidney, and Tumours, and the Lung, and the Rheumatic Diseases
Antiadhesion Therapy
Cytokines and Cytokine Inhibitors
Pharmacologic Control of Phagocyte Function. (Part Contents.)