Immunology and Rheumatology

Catalog description

This 3 -credit course will present an overview of the human immune system underlining the conceptual, physiological, biochemical and pharmacological basis of innate and adaptive immunity. Students will be provided with detailed information about the immune system, immune cells and tissues, and soluble proteins (cytokines) that orchestrate its function. The specific roles of immune cells and cytokines will be discussed with respect to human diseases. The course will also cover the development and biology of B and T cells as key players of adaptive immunity. Special emphasis will be placed on autoimmune diseases and their management, with examples including TH1, TH2 (e.g. allergy), and TH17 -mediated diseases. Other topics covered in the course include organ transplantation, passive and active immunity (vaccination), immunodeficiency diseases, AIDS, SARS-COV-2, as well as interactions between the immune system and cancers. Students will gain an understanding of specific disease state…