Download Immune and Chronic Diseases Faculty

Immune and Chronic Diseases
Faculty
Helena Soares (Instituto Pasteur, Paris, França)
Margarida Correia Neves (Instituto de Investigação em Ciências da Vida e Saúde, Braga, Portugal)
Rogério Amino (Instituto Pasteur, Paris, França)
Patrícia Bozza (Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil)
Learning outcomes
Co-evolution between pathogens and their human hosts promoted the development of a highly complex host
immune system, as well as sophisticated pathogenic mechanisms to antagonize immunity. The arms, components
and homeostatic mechanism that regulate the immune system have been detailed in the previous module, while
the life cycle, transmission and vectors of tropical pathogens will be covered in the following module. Due to the
growing morbidity and mortality of tropical diseases, we urgently need to better understand how pathogens cause
diseases and devise new strategies to defend against them. This is most effectively achieved by studying pathogens
in the context of their hosts and by understanding the host’s immune response. It has become apparent to
microbiologists and immunologists alike that the outcome of an infection consists in a chess game between the
host and the pathogen. In turn, deciphering the rules of this game requires observing and comprehending the
moves of both players. Thus, the intended learning outcomes of this module are: 1) understand the basic concepts
of host-pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on relevant tropical infections and on the mechanisms of immunity
to infection; 2) to acquire the skills to critically read, discuss and present research papers in these fields; and 3) to
promote scientific reasoning capabilities
Syllabus
1. Fundamental principles of infectious diseases and host-pathogen interactions. Specific viral, bacterial and
parasitic pathogens discussed in the course.
2.To explore the molecular cross-talk that drives host-pathogen interactions.
3. To introduce state-of-the art approaches for investigating the cell biology of infectious disease.
4. To introduce the latest paradigms in immune cell biology, as related to infection.
5. To explore the host immune system as a preferential target for pathogen modulation and how it contributes to
disease progression
6. To explore the evolutionary basis of pathogenic manipulation of the host immune response.
Course Structure
The teaching methodologies of this curricular unit include lectures by the faculty combined with intense
discussion of the current literature, including the work developed by the faculty. Lectures are used to impart
information in a concise manner, to highlight areas of importance and to interrelate the immunology,
microbiology and cellular biology fields.Discussion will be guided by the faculty, but led primarily by students
(participation scoring). At the end of the module students will have substantial experience in critical evaluation of
current literature (journal clubs evaluation) and will be able to formulate ideas into testable hypothesis in the
form of a grant proposal. The curricular unit will also have a hands-on laboratory component.
The adopted teaching methodologies demand an active participation of the students in the learning process. The
interactive lectures will greatly enhance the students’ understanding of the cutting-edge contents and
methodologies imparted by the faculty. Journal clubs and the grant proposal exercise will strengthen student’s
knowledge of the scientific process and provide a good vehicle to develop the so-called soft skills (teamwork,
communication, work ethics, etc.). In journal clubs, students will be able to explain, compare, criticize and contrast
methodologies and concepts accepted by the field and propose new research directions. The grant proposal
exercise will give students experience in proposal writing, in synthesizing the literature, in formulating ideas into
testable hypothesis and developing an experimental plan. Due to the experimental application of host-pathogen
interactionsconcepts and approaches, the laboratory workwill allow fortheir deeper understanding upon
experience and reflection. In addition of mastery of the protocols and equipment, laboratory work will teach the
essential skills of scientific research including critical thinking ability.
Main Resources
Immunobiology, 7th edition, (2008; MurphyandJaneway), Garland Science.
CellularMicrobiology, 2nd edition (2005; Cossart, Boquet, NormarkandRappuoli), ASM Press.
Immunology, InfectionandImmunity, 1st edition (2004; Pier, LyczakandWetzler), ASM Press.