Aims & Learning Objectives:
To extend the students knowledge of the immune system to include the various target cells and molecules that are being investigated for their potential therapeutic use in diseases characterised either by inadequate or excessive immune reactivity. After completing this unit, the student will have acquired knowledge of the current situation regarding therapeutic intervention to modulate the immune response, the most important target structures and the impact of immunotherapy in treating autoimmunity, cancer and immunodeficiencies.
Content:
Identification of potential drug targets in the immune system - antigen specific/non-specific. Monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics, immunotoxins. Inhibitory cytokines, cytokine inhibitors. Inhibitors of T cell signalling, antioxidants. Th1/Th2 cells, costimulation, anergy, apoptosis. Apoptosis induction in treating cancer. Class II MHC blockade, altered peptide ligands, T cell receptor vaccination. Tolerance induction, oral tolerance. Treatment of autoimmune diseases.
| |
Fax: +44 (0) 1225 386366