BIO101x
The Immune System: New Developments in Research – Part1
NOTE: This is a self-paced course. The first version of this course was originally delivered from July 7, 2015 to March 24, 2015. The term “Week” is used to indicate the length of time allocated for the topics listed in the original BIO101x course.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The course will provide fundamental knowledge in immunology as well as some advanced topics including cutting-edge research results. Some lectures will refer to how knowledge of the immune system can be applied in a clinical setting, such as cancer immunotherapy and novel vaccine development and treatments of autoimmune diseases.We especially encourage young people who are interested in life-science and immunology to join this course, as it will assist when considering immunology research as a career.This course consists of 5 lectures of about 60 minutes each. The first week covers introductory subjects and specific topics follow from the second week. Lecturers are world-leading top researchers in immunology. Although some topics may be difficult to fully understand for beginners, we are delighted to provide you this opportunity to take a series of lectures by top immunologists.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
When you have completed this course, it is expected that you will be able to:
- Describe the types and functions of major immune cells.
- Describe the functions of some key molecules that play important roles in the immune system.
- Describe involvement of the immune system in some diseases.
- Describe possible treatments
of some diseases through control of the immune system - Describe theories raised in recent researches in immunology and their latest results.
SPECIFIC CONTENT (WHAT YOU WILL LEARN)
The following describes specific content that this course will provide and will be helpful for accomplishing each of your learning objectives.
- Two major types of immune reactions.
Complement system , Pathogen recognition, Production mechanism of various antibodies, Cells and molecules working in them. - Mechanisms of innate immunity, Names
and functions of major molecules involved in innate immunity. - Involvement of adaptive immune system cells in autoimmune diseases and cancers.
- Reaction mechanisms of vaccines.
- Intestinal barrier functions, roles of commensal bacteria, functions of unique immune cells in the intestinal mucosa
PREREQUISITES
Basic Biology
WORKLOAD
We anticipate spending between 4-6 hours per week, depending on background.
WEEKLY TOPICS
NOTE: The term “Week” is used to indicate the length of time allocated for the topics listed in the original BIO101x course.
WEEK1: Overview of Immunology
- What is the immune system?
- Players act in the immune system
- How various types of immune cells work in the immune system?
WEEK2: Innate Immunity
2-1: Innate Immunity- Pathogen Recognition by Innate Immunity
- Mechanism of innate immunity
- Interaction between innate immunity and adaptive immunity
- Pattern recognition receptors
2-2: Innate Immunity - Disorder-specific M2 Macrophages
- Functions of macrophages
- Recent topics in the research for various types of M2 macrophages
2-3: Innate Immunity - Understanding and Manipulation of the NLRP3-inflammasome
- Colchicine inhibits activation of the NLRP3-inflammasome
- Autophagy limits activation of the NLRP3-inflammasome
WEEK 3: Adaptive Immunity 1 - Control of Immune Responses by Regulatory T Cells
- Identification of regulatory T (Treg) cells
- FoxP3 is a Treg specific transcription factor, and it controls IL-2 production
- Treg-targeting cancer immunotherapy
WEEK 4: Adaptive Immunity 2
4-1: Adaptive Immunity 2 - Immune Regulatory Mechanisms through B Cell Axis
- Anti-inflammatory functions by B cell
- Regulatory function of plasmablasts to suppress Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)
- Essential signaling factors in B cells for IL-10 production
4-2: Adaptive Immunity 2 - Vaccine & Immunological Memory
- What is vaccine (vaccination)?
- What is
immunological memory ? - What are the issues in the research for immunological memory?
WEEK 5: Mucosal Immunology
- Barrier functions of epithelial cells
- Intestinal environmental factors
- Unique immune cells in the intestinal mucosa
INSTRUCTORS
Week 1 Dr. Masayuki Miyasaka (Guest Professor, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Week 2 Dr. Shizuo Akira (Professor, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Dr. Takashi Satoh (Assistant Professor, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Dr. Tatsuya Saitoh (Professor, The Institute for Enzyme Research, The University of Tokushima)
Week 3 Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi (Specially Appointed Professor （Full time), Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Week 4 Dr. Tomohiro Kurosaki (Specially Appointed Professor （Full time), Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Dr. Wataru Ise (Specially Appointed Associate Professor （Full time), Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Week 5 Dr. Kiyoshi Takeda (Professor, Graduate School of Medicine/Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
COURSE STAFF
Akiko Tsumura (Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University)
Haruo Takemura (Cyber Media Center, Osaka University)
Kumud B. Singh (Cyber Media Center, Osaka University)
Makiko Oyama (Center for Education in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Osaka University)
Chie Gondo (Center for Education in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Osaka University)
STUDENT STAFF
Takumi Mochida (School of Letters, Osaka University)
Shotaro Mochimasu (School of Letters, Osaka University) Kenta Iemoto (School of Human Sciences, Osaka University)
Yusuke Nakano (School of Law, Osaka University)