Mammalian Cell Biology IV: Immunology and infectious agents

Immunology: Master the cellular and molecular functioning of the immune system in normal situations and during infection by pathogenic agents. Acquire the fundamental knowledge needed to understand the major mechanisms involved in dysimmune pathologies and the various immunotherapy strategies (topics covered in the following semester's courses). Virology: Know/understand the mechanisms by which viruses interact with their hosts, and the molecular bases of antiviral action.

1A courses in Immunology and Cell Biology, or equivalent

Immunology: In-depth knowledge of the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses: (i) mechanisms of T and B lymphocyte ontogeny and development , (ii) mechanisms of their activation and differentiation by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and associated receptors (MHC, TCR, BCR...,) , (iii) involvement and roles of dendritic cells, NK, NKT and macrophages in the immune response. This knowledge will enable us to address, in a final section, host-pathogen interactions and anti-infectious immunity, using specific examples of immune responses to different pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites).Virology: viral cycle, virus-host interactions, antiviral strategies (antivirals)Prions : Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (animal, human). The PrP prion protein (expression, structure, cellular and physiological functions). The pathogenic prion protein (structure, biochemical properties, replication and conversion). Species barrier. Neurodegenerative diseases with aggregates.