The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in understanding how our bodies respond to and fight infection. Introducing key principles of the innate and adaptive immune responses this course will use case studies, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, to explore how the immune response fights, controls, and can contribute to the response to infection.
Course details
Tutors
The study of infection and immunity has received increased attention since the start of the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic. Many individuals are now looking for a better understanding of how our bodies recognise and respond to infection. This course will introduce the core principles of both the innate and adaptive immune responses and then explore how the immune response can contribute to the development and progression of disease, before exploring some of the complex interact ions between viral and bacterial pathogens and the immune response.
Over the duration of the course you will learn about the unique elements of our first line of defence, the innate immune system, and our long-term memory-driven response of adaptive immunity. You will be introduced to the different types of cells and molecules that allow these systems t so effectively and be taught how they interact with one another to maximise protection.
Case studies will be introduced that explore situations when the immune response actually contributes to the development or progression of disease. We will look in particular detail at a range of viral and bacterial infections to understand how the immune response responds to them and how the pathogens evolve to evade and combat immunity.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes for this course are:
- Describe the basic functions, processes, pathways and molecules of the innate immune system
- Describe the broad principles of how adaptive immunity works
- Have an understanding of how the immune system can contribute to health and disease using examples from major infections
Classes
1. The innate immune system
You will be introduced to the key processes, pathways and molecules involved in the function of the innate immune system. This will include examples of some of the key signalling pathways involved in the detection of infection such as the use of Pattern Recognition Receptors.
2. The adaptive immune system
In this session you will explore how the adaptive immune system works and how it interacts with the innate immune system. You will be introduced to the role and importance of T cells, B cells and antibodies.
3. The immune system in health and disease
Using a series of case studies and examples you will learn how the immune system is crucial to keeping us alive and healthy, as well as how it can contribute to the development and maintenance of disease. Examples will be drawn from the areas of acute and chronic inflammation, vaccination, and allergies.
4. Viral infections and immunity
Using a variety of viral infections as case studies you will learn about the complex interplay between viruses and the immune response, and what this means for the treatment of viral infection in both the short- and long-term.
5. Bacterial infection and immunity
This session will demonstrate how bacterial infections interact with the host and the immune system and how this contributes to the development and progression of disease.
Required reading
There is no essential required reading for this programme. Any immunology textbook will cover the core principles addressed on the course and you may find it useful to familiarise yourself with some of these.
Typical week: Monday to Friday
For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.
| c.8.00am-9.00am | Breakfast in College (for residents) |
| 9.00am-10.30am | Am Course |
| 11.15am-12.30pm | Plenary Lecture |
| 12.30pm-1.45pm | Lunch |
| 1.45pm-3.15pm | Pm Course |
| 4.00pm-5.15pm | Plenary Lecture |
| c.6.00/6.15pm-7.15/7.30pm | Dinner in College (for residents) |
| c.7.30pm onwards | Evening talk/event |
Evaluation and Academic Credit
If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.
Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.
For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.
Certificate of attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.