Progress in Clinical and Biological Research, Volume 397 ENDOTOXIN AND SEPSIS Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis, Host Resistance, and Therapy Proceedings of the Fourth Conference of the International Endotoxin Society Held in Nagoya, Japan, October 23-27, 1996 Jack Levin, Matthew Pollack, Takashi Yokochi, and Masayasu Nakano, Editors Recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular biology of the human immune response have lead to important advances in the recognition and treatment of sepsis. Endotoxin and Sepsis: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis, Host Resistance, and Therapy compiles the latest basic and clinical research on many aspects of sepsis, including sepsis/SIRS. It provides researchers and clinicians with an up-to-date overview of the critical data and concepts in this rapidly progressing field of inquiry. Featuring contributions by researchers and clinicians from around the world, this book presents papers covering a broad spectrum of specialized topics in the bacteriology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular interactions, pathophysiology, and pharmacodynamics of sepsis/SIRS. It also presents information on in vivo detection and potential new therapies that target sepsis and its cellular effects. Specific topics covered in Endotoxin and Sepsis: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis, Host Resistance, and Therapy include: * Enzymes essential to the biosynthesis of Lipid A and their importance in the design of a new generation of antibiotics * Recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the role of CD-14 in cellular resistance to infection and its therapeutic implications * The role of Interleukin 6 in endotoxin-induced inflammatory response * The molecular mechanisms responsible for endotoxin tolerance * Unique chemical and biological features of LPS, and natural and synthetic LPS control mechanisms. Endotoxin and Sepsis: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis, Host Resistance, and Therapy is must reading for laboratory and clinical microbiologists, immunologists, and other investigators studying bacterial endotoxins, and specialists in internal medicine. It will also be of interest to biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers involved with the development of new drugs to combat sepsis.