Prospectus

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Chemical Immunology (CHI)

Course
2019-2020

Elective course in MSc Chemistry – Chemical Biology, MSc Life Science and Technology, elective course MSc Chemistry

Admission requirements

BSc MST or LST.

Description

The course introduces to the principles of chemical immunology. The course discusses recent advances in the field of immunology to which chemistry and chemical biology are making a significant contribution. The course will first discuss the production and use of antibodies to treat disease and the chemical modifications of antibodies to attach drugs and other cargos to them. The second major topic will be the recent developments in in immune therapies and the novel ways in which the immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer. The final topics are vaccine design and therapeutic strategies for immune dampening. Overall, the aim of the course is to make students familiar with frontline chemical immunology. Due to the fast moving nature of the field, the course will be taught as a combination of lectures as well as the discussion of recent literature. The student is expected to develop the ability to critically assess primary literature sources.

At the end of the course students:

  • will have knowledge of fundamental principles of immunology;

  • will have knowledge of antibody therapeutic production, methods of action and applications of these therapeutic agents;

  • will have knowledge of cancer immune therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell therapies, T-cell chimera

  • will have knowledge of the essential components of both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines

  • will understand the concept in immuno-modulation and auto-immunity

  • will have developed the ability to read and assess primary chemical immunology literature

Mode of instruction

Lectures and assessment of recent literature.

Language

English

Timetable

Schedule information can be found on the website of the programmes:

https://masters.lic.leidenuniv.nl/schedule

Literature

The course is based on the following book: Janeway’s Immunobiology 9th edition.
Slides presented during the courses
Articles discussed and cited during the course

Examination

Final written exam (100%)

Contact Information

Information about the Lecturer

Registration

Register for this course via uSis