Micr & Molecular Genetics: Immunology

Analysis of the immune response with respect to structure and function of immunoglobulins and the T-cell receptor, tolerance, innate and adaptive immunity, the Major Histocompatibility Complex, hypersensitivity states, transplantation, cancer, and AIDS. Credit not awarded for both MMG 3230 and MMG 5230. Prerequisite: MMG 2010, BCOR 2500, or MMG 2990.

Prereq enforced by the system: MMG 2010; or BCOR 2500 or MMG 2990; Colocated with MMG 3230 A and MMG 5230 A

This course will introduce students to the vast array of defenses that can be deployed by mammalian hosts to protect against the disease caused by infections, collectively called the immune system. We will also explore how this powerful system can contribute to disease, but also be leveraged in vaccines and cancer immunotherapy. The course will cover innate and adaptive immunity and analyze the immune system in health and disease. Recommended prerequisite: one semester of biochemistry and/or one semester of cell biology

Overall Course Goals: To understand the fundamental mechanisms by which the immune system protects humans from pathogenic insults and disease. How is the balance between immunity and tolerance achieved and how does this balance determine whether a person experiences health or disease? Course Objectives 1. Be able to synthesize concepts underpinning how the innate immune system detects pathogens and initiates inflammation and how this contributes to health and disease. 2. Describe how antigens, the basic unit of immune system recognition, are presented to the specific receptors on lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system (antibodies/immunoglobulins and T cell receptors), how these diverse receptors are generated and how antigen:receptor interaction leads to activation of adaptive immune cells – B and T lymphocytes. 3. Describe how activated B and T cells acquire effector functions and achieve immunological memory following infection or vaccination. 4. Explain how the immune fails (some examples are immunodeficiencies, cancer), or over-reacts (allergies, autoimmune diseases, for example), tailors responses to distinct anatomical sites or conditions (nervous system, mucosal linings, pregnancy) and how the immune system be manipulated to allow for transplantation, development of new treatments and/or vaccines for cancer, chronic disease, infectious disease.

Quizzes and exams will cover material derived from in-class presentations. QUIZZES (40% of grade) There will be 12 timed quizzes on Brightspace. The lowest two scores will be dropped, so each quiz is worth ~4% of the grade. Quizzes are typically assigned on a Friday afternoon and due that next Sunday at 11:59 PM). EXAMS (60% of grade) There will be 4 exams, each worth 15%, on Brightspace, totaling 60% of the grade. These will be timed (2-hour limit) exams on Brightspace. These will be open starting at 8AM and available until 8 PM that day. Once started, this test must be completed in one sitting. Do not leave the test before clicking Save and Submit. • The exams will include different types of questions, e.g., multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answer. • The final exam (#4) will cover material presented since the 3rd exam. The final exam is conceptually cumulative since understanding the final block’s material rests on a solid understanding of the three preceding blocks.