Course content

The advanced immunology course will give an overview of mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes, in topics mainly connected to activities at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM). This is inflammation related to infections, but also sterile inflammation (that can be observed during e.g. autoimmune diseases, heart infarction/failure, and obesity). Although the main focus will be on innate immunity, both innate and adaptive immune responses will be discussed. Cell types involved include macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T cells, B cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and epithelial cells on mucosal surfaces. Recognition- and signaling mechanisms include complement, phagocytosis, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), inflammasomes, RIG-I family and other helicases, cGAS, C-type lectin receptors, responses to different types of bacteria, viruses, protozoan parasites and fungi, sterile inflammation, vaccines/adjuvants, inflammatory cytokines and cell death. Inflammatory signals will be discussed in relation to cell biology, molecular trafficking, immunometabolism, and immune activation and evasion by microbial pathogens. We will link the events to clinical situations such as infections, immunodeficiencies, inflammation during pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, cancer, and bone inflammation.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing the course, the candidate:

• has insight into basic mechanisms of inflammation, much of this in relation to research conducted at IKOM
• has advanced knowledge of how the body fights infection with many classes of pathogens, both concerning different cell types involved and recognition mechanisms and signaling pathways within those cells.
• can evaluate similarities and differences between sterile inflammation and inflammation induced by infections.
• has increased understanding of how research on molecular inflammation can contribute to the development of vaccines, therapies, and disease prevention.

Skills

After the course, the candidate can:

• identify and critically assess key signals of inflammation
• has advanced knowledge of central signaling pathways of innate immunity
• outline, evaluate and interpret how certain ligands and signals are associated with specific classes of microbial pathogens, diseases, and inflammatory conditions.
• Has an advanced understanding of the processes how innate immunity shapes and directs the development and outcome of adaptive immune responses

General proficiency

After the course, the candidate can:

• Comprehend and interpret how inflammatory signals can be both beneficial and harmful for the body, depending on the circumstances, such as the nature of acute vs chronic inflammation.
• Discuss and compare differences and similarities between different types of inflammation and innate immune signals
• Interpret and critically evaluate scientific literature on topics of inflammation, innate immunity and the relationship to disease

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, group discussions/group work, self study.

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance in lectures/group work

Recommended previous knowledge

Fundamental skills in medicine, immunology, cell biology and molecular biology at master degree level.

Required previous knowledge

Masters degree in biology, chemistry, physics or similar. Knowledge about immunology similar to a basic course, such as MOL3005. Medical Doctors degree, or medical students participating in The Student Research track Programme.

Course materials

Suggested textbooks for background reading:

Janeway`s Immunobiology (10th edition, ISBN 9781315533247).

Kuby Immunology (8th edition, ISBN 9781319114701) is a comparable alternative.

Specific background literature related to different lectures and sessions will be distributed before and during the course.

Credit reductions