ENTOM 4500 - [Comparative Immunology: Innate Immunity in Action]

Spring (offered alternate years). 2 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: one year of college biology or permission of instructor.

N. Buchon.

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against pathogenic invaders. Contrary to the adaptive immune system, this response is shared by nearly all eukaryotes, from insects to humans, and has been instrumental for their evolutionary success. The study of the immune system of insects that rely mainly on innate defenses to survive infection has proven valuable to decipher these mechanisms. In this course, we will study the broad concepts of host microbe interactions, from their genetic and molecular basis to the physiological impact of microbes on their host. We will focus on the innate immune mechanisms, as well as on new emerging concepts in immunity such as tolerance to microbes, or the role of stem cells and repair mechanisms during infection.

Outcome 1: Know the key concepts in host microbe interactions and the mechanisms that underlie the innate immune response.

Outcome 2: Understand the differences in the immune responses of a range of organisms, including insects.

Outcome 3: Understand the genetic basis of the innate immune response.

Outcome 4: Understand that the response to microbes is an integrative process, comprising immune, physiological and repair mechanisms.