Cytokines
01 November 2007 publication
The lead articles of the November 2007 issue of Microbiology Today are on interferon - the early days; cytokines, receptors and virus infection; treating fungal infections with interferon; protection against TB; interferon - where are we now?
Microshorts (p. 154)
Interferon: the early days (p. 156)
Derek Burke discusses the crude systems and mechanical operations featured during the 'steam age of virology'.
Viruses and interferon - 50 years on (p. 160)
We have learnt a lot since Isaacs and Lindenmann described 'the interferon' in 1957, but Rick Randall and Steve Goodbourn explain that the story is not over.
Chemokines, receptors and virus infection (p. 164)
Edward Wright explains how chemokine receptors are sometimes hijacked by pathogens to gain entry to cells and initiate infection.
Gamma interferon and fungal infections (p. 168)
As fungal infections become more frequent and diverse, Javier Capilla, Karl Clemons and David Stevens discuss how cytokines may be used to enhance the activity of antifungal treatment.
Gamma interferon - key, but not sufficient for protection against TB? (p. 172)
Although it is a good indicator of TB vaccine immunogenicity, Hazel Dockrell explains that heterogeneity means there may not be an easy answer when it comes to gamma interferon.
Schoolzone (p. 180)
John Grainger and John Schollar reflect on the six years they have been giving courses to secondary school teachers and technicians on basic microbiology.
Gradline (p. 184)
Jane Westwell describes the Vacation Studentships that the Society funds. Two PhD students, Melissa Wragg and Kelly Davidge, speak about their experience promoting microbiology in a local primary school.
Scottish Infection Research Network (p. 196)
Professor Tim Mitchell explains what the Scottish Infection Research Network (SIRN) is and what its purpose is.
Obituary (p. 198)
Sadly, former Treasurer of the Microbiology Society, Professor Douglas Watson, has passed away this September. Dick Killington highlights his life achievements.
Comment: Microbiology - a degree of concern? (p. 200)
Sue Assinder discusses how analysis of the Microbiology Society undergraduate prize scheme suggests we should be wary, but not too concerned about the decline of microbiology departments.