Neuroimmunology

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge on biochemistry and biology.

Teaching Methods

The syllabus includes modern topics in the fields of basic and clinical immunology and neurosciences and it is focused on one hand on well established topics that provide a solid background to understand the field of immunology/neuroimmunology and on the other hand on emerging themes. The proposed work is related to the topics discussed in the lectures, and allows the students to further explore these concepts.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide students with essential knowledge on immunology, neuroimmunology and neuroimmune pathologies that impact both the central and peripheric nervous systems. Through this course, students will get to know the main players of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, as well as the principal immune response pathways triggered in the presence of different types of pathogens. The students will also know the different cellular components of the neuroimmune system, their biogenesis and homeostatic functions. In addition, a set of pathologies targeting the neuroimmune interface will also be discussed, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms that are at the root of these diseases. Lastly, the students will come to contact with the potential of novel cellular therapies and diagnosis/research tools that are currently being employed in the field of neuroimmunology, for example involving brain organoids and stem cell manipulation. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to neuroimmunology

2. A brief overview of the immune system

3. The neuro-immune system

    3.1 Microglia and barrier-associated cells

    3.2 Homeostatic functions of neuroimmune cells

    3.3 Neuroimmune contribution to learning and memory

4. Endocrine-immune modulation

    4.1 The endocryne system

    4.2 cytokines, hormones and their receptors

5. Stress and neuroimmune regulation

    5.1 The evolving concept of stress

    5.2 The stress response: the HPA axis and the peripheral nervous system

    5.3 Laboratory paradigms of stress

    5.4 The neuroendocrine and immune effects of psychosocial stress

    5.5 Early-life adversity

6. Infection, allergies and neuroimmune function

    6.1 Infectious diseases and their impact in the brain:ASD and Schizophrenia

    6.2 Allergic diseases and their impact in the brain: ADHD

7. Neuroimmune diseases and their phenotypes

8. Other organs and tissues involved in neuroimmune modulation

9. New tools to study the neuroimmune system.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Miguel Peça Lima Novo Silvestre

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 25.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

- Jorge H. Daruna, Introduction to Psychoneuroimmunology, 2nd edition, Elsevier

- Bibiana Bielekova, Gary Birnbaum, Robert P. Lisak, Neuroimunnology, Oxford University Press, series editor: Eva Feldman

- Laura Sompayrac, How the Immune System Works, 5th edition, Wiley Blackwell.