The innate immune system

Catalog description

The innate immune system is the first line of defense. It is activated when plants or animals are attacked by microbial pathogens or parasites. Topics will include: (a) the organs, tissues and cells that make up the innate immune system; (b) cell and molecular processes underlying the innate immune responses in a range of organisms: from plants, invertebrate animals to vertebrates, including mammals; and (c) strategies that bacteria, viruses and parasites use to dodge or suppress innate immune mechanisms. The course material will be based on review articles and the primary literature. Purchase of a text book is not required.