Immunology, autoimmunity, allergy and asthma, immune mediated inflammatory disorders, immunotherapy

Immunopathology is a scientific area in which immunology, pathofysiology and clinical immunology meet each other. Starting from the knowledge acquired in the basic course of immunology (2nd bacherlor Biomedical Sciences) the etiology of immune medicated inflammatory disorders, allergy and asthma will be discussed as well as the opportunities for immune intervention.

• Tolerance: immunological principles of tolerance: central versus peripheral tolerance, role of regulatory T cells, natural killer T cells, dendritic cells
• Autoimmune diseases: description and pathogenesis, role of autoantibodies
• Immune mediated inflammatory disorders: role of TNF, role of other inflammatory pathways, identification of therapeutic targets
• Allergy and asthma: role of inflammatory cells and immune cells; role of mediators; therapeutic targets
• Immunotherapy: overview of immunotherapies (small molecules, biologicals,...): principles, indications, side effects

Having successfully completed the courses Immunology, Molecular biology I, Molecular biology II, and Human pathogenesis from the bachelor program biomedical sciences, or having acquired the relevant ending objectives by other means.

To possess an advanced knowledge of immunopathology. To be able to critically analyse scientific manuscripts

Hand-outs of the classroom lectures (in dutch). Selected scientific papers and websites for the group discussions (in english)

Through e-mail

Classroom lectures;

Evaluation throughout semester as well as during examination period. Special conditions: Evaluation during examination period (75%) Evaluation throughout semester (25%)

During examination period: written closed-book exam complemented with oral examination
During semester: Assessment of participation in and reporting of the group work. Second chance: Possible in adapted form
Frequency: During all group discussions