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The Cytokine Network
Cell Biology International 2000, Vol. 24, No. 9, 662 doi:10.1006/cbir.2000.0551, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on
BOOK REVIEW The Cytokine Network Edited by F. BALKWILL OU Press, New York. 2000. Pp. 199. £29.95. ISBN 0-19-963-702-4 The Cytokine Network is the latest title in the Frontiers In Molecular Biology series of publications. The book draws expertise from a list of contributing authors, all of whom are experts in their respective fields of research. Each chapter reviews a particular area of cytokine biology ranging from the genomics approach to cytokine discovery through to the application of cytokines in the treatment of disease. The underlying theme of the book deals with how the pleiotropic activities of cytokines results in the ‘cytokine network’—where one cytokine can influence the production and response of many other cytokines. A short background followed by sub-chapters dealing with the current views in the topic area introduces each chapter. Towards the end of each chapter the role of cytokines in disease states such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV and inflamatory bowel disease are used as examples to illustrate the subject matter. Most of the essential information is
1065–6995/00/090662+01 $35.00/0
presented in each chapter with enough detail to provide a basic understanding for someone new to this field of biology but, if further detail is sought, useful references are generally provided within the text. A main strength of the book is the use of clear diagrams that complement the text well and which are generously scattered throughout each chapter. The book is likely to be most useful as an introductory text for cell biologists who have a limited understanding of cytokine biology, most probably at the undergraduate/graduate level. However, it would also be of benefit to the more specialist reader who is looking for a balanced overview of current approaches to cytokine research, as well as a limited reference guide to a particular cytokine-related topic. As with any book dealing with such a rapidly changing subject, much of the book will appear out of date relatively soon, a fact that would appear to have been reflected in its mid-range price. The Cytokine Network provides a useful introductory text for biologists entering the complex field of cytokine research. Richard Day Harrow March 2000
2000 Academic Press
BOOK REVIEW The Cytokine Network Edited by F. BALKWILL OU Press, New York. 2000. Pp. 199. £29.95. ISBN 0-19-963-702-4 The Cytokine Network is the latest title in the Frontiers In Molecular Biology series of publications. The book draws expertise from a list of contributing authors, all of whom are experts in their respective fields of research. Each chapter reviews a particular area of cytokine biology ranging from the genomics approach to cytokine discovery through to the application of cytokines in the treatment of disease. The underlying theme of the book deals with how the pleiotropic activities of cytokines results in the ‘cytokine network’—where one cytokine can influence the production and response of many other cytokines. A short background followed by sub-chapters dealing with the current views in the topic area introduces each chapter. Towards the end of each chapter the role of cytokines in disease states such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV and inflamatory bowel disease are used as examples to illustrate the subject matter. Most of the essential information is
1065–6995/00/090662+01 $35.00/0
presented in each chapter with enough detail to provide a basic understanding for someone new to this field of biology but, if further detail is sought, useful references are generally provided within the text. A main strength of the book is the use of clear diagrams that complement the text well and which are generously scattered throughout each chapter. The book is likely to be most useful as an introductory text for cell biologists who have a limited understanding of cytokine biology, most probably at the undergraduate/graduate level. However, it would also be of benefit to the more specialist reader who is looking for a balanced overview of current approaches to cytokine research, as well as a limited reference guide to a particular cytokine-related topic. As with any book dealing with such a rapidly changing subject, much of the book will appear out of date relatively soon, a fact that would appear to have been reflected in its mid-range price. The Cytokine Network provides a useful introductory text for biologists entering the complex field of cytokine research. Richard Day Harrow March 2000
2000 Academic Press