Aims & Learning Objectives:
To extend the student's 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, and to practise cognitive skills. Knowledge gained from previous units in pharmacology will be built upon with more advanced and specialised treatment of specific topics. The tutorials are integral to the unit, allowing for open discussion of pertinent current research papers. After completing this unit, the student will have acquired knowledge of therapeutic interventions to modulate the immune response, and of the impact of immunotherapy in treating autoimmunity, cancer and immunodeficiencies, and will show an ability to interpret relevant research data in a logical and critical manner.
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, anergy, costimulation, 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