Course content

The course will give an overview of mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes, mainly connected to activities at Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR, NTNU). This is inflammation related to infections, but also sterile inflammation (that can be observed during e.g. autoimmune diseases, heart infarction/failure and obesity). Innate and adaptive immune responses will be discussed, with an emphasis on innate immunity. Cell types that are involved include macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts. Recognition- and signaling mechanisms include complement, interactions between complement and other signals, phagocytosis, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), inflammasomes, RIG-I family and other helicases, cGAS, C-type lectin receptors, autophagy, responses to different types of bacteria, viruses, protozoan parasites and fungi, sterile inflammation, vaccines/adjuvants, inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory signals will be discussed in relation to clinical situations such as infections, immunodeficiencies, inflammation during pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure and bone inflammation.

Learning outcome

After completing the course the student:

• has insight into basal mechanisms of inflammation, much of this in relation to research conducted at Centre for Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR) and the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine.
• will know how the body fight infection with many classes of pathogens, both with respect to different cell types involved and also recognition mechanisms and signaling pathways within those cells.
• understand similarities between sterile inflammation and inflammation induced by infections.
• know how innate immunity instructs adaptive immunity.
• has increased understanding of the possibilities biological research on cell- and molecular level has on development of disease prevention and therapies.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (mandatory), group discussions/group work (mandatory, 30 % of grade), self study.

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance in lectures

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. Medical Doctors degree. Or medical students at The Student Research Programme. Candidates with other or lower degree will be assessed individually.

Credit reductions