At the Interface - Dynamics of Immunologic and Microbial Interactions

Catalog description

Popular media claims microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa) living in or on the human body outnumber human cells by 10 to one. Recent evidence suggests this ratio may be lower; however, the fundamental relationship between microbes and humans cannot be denied. Microbes provide essential roles in human health but also can be the stalwarts of disease. Mucosal surfaces represent the largest frontline between microbes and humans. If you put your finger on your cheek, then trace to your lip, eventually that trace would lead back to the epithelial lining of the colon, then out the back end. In essence this tells us the gastrointestinal tract is outside of our bodies. Mucosal immune responses regulate an individual’s health or disease status. During this course, we will evaluate strategies employed by the mucosal immune system to keep symbiotic balance and evaluate strategies used by microbes to evade immune responses. Topics will include microbial colonization, tolerance, long-term consequences of acute infections, and development of chronic inflammatory diseases. By completion of the course, students will have explored immunologic-microbial interfaces through reading and extensive discussion of primary journal articles, usually 2 per class. Students will also select a relevant topic and prepare a short perspective to be edited and refined through an in-class peer-review process. Fundamental understanding of immunology and microbiology is absolutely required.