Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

BioMed 514, Immunobiology
(3 credits, Spring Semester)

Course Description:

This is a comprehensive immunology course covering the organs, tissues, cells, molecules and genes that make up the innate and adaptive immune systems. Didactic lectures by the faculty and problem-based discussion sessions will introduce students to the fundamentals of modern immunology with emphasis on experimental discoveries from the primary literature.

The course is taught by a team of seven faculty members with expertise in various areas of immunology. While this structure enhances the rigor and accuracy of the subject matter, we understand that most students will not consider immunology as their primary area of interest. The purpose of BioMed 514 is to facilitate the understanding of immunology by encouraging students to ask questions during the lectures and by requiring participation in the weekly discussion sessions. The latter is brought about by the assignment of a problem set that focuses on the subject matter of the week. Written answers and a 1.5 hour discussion of the problems in small, student-lead groups offer students the opportunity to explain the material to each other and to ask questions of the discussion facilitator. The written answers are graded, and correct answers are provided after each week.

Faculty:

Robert Rubin, Ph.D., Course Director
Bryce Chackerian, Ph.D.
Hattie Gresham, Ph.D.
Barbara Masten, Ph.D.
Carolyn Mold, Ph.D.
Julie Wilder, Ph.D.
Bridget Wilson, Ph.D.

Textbook: Abbas and Lichtman, Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 5th edition, 2003

Class Attendance:

• Monday, 11:00 – 12:30, room BRF 118: didactic lecture and questions
• Wednesday 11:00 – 12:30, various rooms. Student directed, faculty facilitated discussions on problem set. Written answers to problem set due at end of session.

Grade:

• Problem set write-up (39%)
• Exams: Midterm and Final, ~30 points each (61%)
• Problem: #1 ready on each Monday: 1 point extra credit (up to 13% extra grade points)

Topics:

• Introduction: structural organization and the nature of the immune response
• The major histocompatibility complex and transplantation: MHC structure and function
• Antigen processing and presentation
• Antigen receptors and creation of the B- and T-cell repertoire
• Lymphocyte development, maturation and central tolerance
• T cell/B cell interactions
• Intracellular signaling machinery
• Innate immune recognition and the inflammatory response
• Cell-mediated immunity
• Humoral effector responses: Fc receptors and complement
• Immune tolerance and autoimmunity
• Immunity to microbes, vaccines, and HIV-related disease
• Allergy and asthma