Liver Immunology

Immunological and viral diseases of the liver have become one of the major health problems of the 21st century. In fact, the incidence and economic costs of hepatitis C now exceed those of HIV infection. Moreover, liver transplantation remains an extremely expensive therapeutic option but is often the only therapeutic option available. Over the past ten years, there have been major advances in diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated liver pathology. Many of these diseases are mediated by viral infections; whereas others tend to be autoimmune. Some examples include infestation by the hepatitis viruses A, B, and C, as well as the immunological complications of inflammatory bowel disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. In this volume, the editors bring together experts in a variety of disciplines including immunologists, virologists and hepatologists to discuss the theme of liver disease from basic science through the treatment of patients. There is a heavy emphasis on understanding the best use of pharmaceuticals, the role and place of liver transplantation, and information on emerging drug treatments.