Join our Postgraduate Open Day - Wednesday 20 March

Register now

Molecular mechanisms in immune cell differentiation and function

Course Type
Postgraduate

Molecular mechanisms in immune cell differentiation and function (20 credits)

This module will provide an in-depth knowledge of the differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells towards the myeloid and lymphoid lineages and the role of the microenvironment in the bone marrow during these processes. Cutting-edge knowledge will also be developed in thymic function and T cell development as well as the activation and functional diversity of T and B cell responses, including the formation of germinal centres, T helper cell differentiation and regulatory T cell function. The differentiation of memory CD4+ T cells and the development and function of secondary and tertiary lymphoid tissues will be covered during the module. The module also includes an overview of the interactions between different cell types during immune responses to tumours and fungal infections. The cellular requirements, molecules and their associated signalling pathways, required for each of these processes will be presented.

This module will contain a combination of face-to-face lectures integrated with a series of small group teaching sessions to provide further tuition and clarification of understanding.

Module attendance required

Three weeks of lectures and small group tutorials.

Assessment:

Examination (50%):
1 essay - 1.5h (exam)

Coursework (50%):
The course work component will include the following:
1. Poster presentation
Course work will consist of a poster presentation of a given research topic, bringing together information from a number of cutting-edge research publications. Length of presentation limited to 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions.

Academics involved in the delivery of this module:

Dr Jorge Caamaño (Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy) and Dr William Jenkinson (Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy) and a number of other researchers from across the College of Medical and Dental Sciences, including Dr Nick Jones, Dr David Bending, Dr Sarah Dimeloe, Dr Rebecca Drummond, Dr Paloma Garcia, Professor Kai Toellner, and Professor David Withers.

This module is only available as part of MSc Immunology and Immunotherapy and the International Doctoral Training Programme.