Fundamental Immunology

Quarters I and II of the course provide a comprehensive overview of basic immunology beginning with the innate immune responses, followed by a study of the main aspects of acquired immunity. Specific interactions of target cells and T cells that are regulated by the MHC molecule and peptide antigens on the target cell and the antigen specific T cell receptor are studied. The generation and molecular structure of B and T cell antigen receptors, and signaling through immune receptors are covered in detail. Lastly, the development of antigen specific T and B cells, and specific roles for some cytokines/lymphokines are also important topics. Quarters III and IV of the course cover in more depth T and B cell mediated immunity and topics of clinical relevance, such as microbial immunity, allergy, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies, transplantation immunology, and immunotherapy. All the topics are studied though lectures and in depth review of selected articles. The course is directed by Dr. Ethel Cesarman. Quarters I - IV, annually.

Microbial Pathogenesis

This course provides an overview of bacterial, protozoan and metazoan pathogens and the diverse mechanisms by which they elicit disease in humans. Select topics will also be presented on the evolution and diversity of cellular and genetic systems in human pathogens. The course includes discussion of pathogen immune evasion strategies, and will therefore assume Fundamental Immunology as a pre-requisite or concurrent course. The course is directed by Sabine Ehrt and Thomas Templeton and will be taught jointly with faculty from Rockefeller University and will meet in both sites. Quarters III-IV, annually.

Advanced Topics in Immunology

This course, in modular format, is designed to teach selected topics, in depth, including historical overviews, underlying principles, current status, and significance for contemporary Immunology. Moreover, attempts will be made to connect immunological specialization with general principles of Biology and Biochemistry. The course will be open to all students and postdoctoral fellows. First and second year students will be required to take three modules for credit. Planned topics will include B cell development, T cell development, signal transduction, apoptosis, tumor immunology, developmental immunology. Other modules will be added ad hoc. This course is directed by Dr. Bo Dupont. Quarters I - IV, annually.

Immunology Graduate Research In Progress

This course is designed to provide all Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis Program graduate students with experience in preparing their experimental data for oral presentations. Each student is required to give several talks based on their research. The course is directed by Dr. Andrea Cerutti. Quarters I - IV, annually.

Seminars in Immunology

This course is designed to offer all graduate students in the program an exposure to cutting edge research by national and international leaders in all fields of immunology, including natural immunity, B and T cell biology, immunity to infectious agents and tumors. The course is directed by Dr. Derek Sant'Angelo, Dr. Xiaojing Ma, and Dr. Lionel Ivashkiv. Quarters. I - IV, annually.