Infection & Immunity

Bacteriology:

Through various examples, students will gain a better understanding of the concept of pathogenicity in relation to bacterial virulence. The means and mechanisms used to manipulate the body's cells at the mucosal level in order to penetrate the internal environment, i.e., invasive power, will be discussed, as well as the perception of environmental signals and the integration of these signals in order to coordinate the response of prokaryotes so that they adopt group behavior. The description of a few examples of toxins and modulins related to colonization and/or invasion will provide a better understanding of the differences in strategies between prokaryotic pathogens. Finally, the concept of microbiota and its influence on the functioning of the organism, as well as its involvement in the development of certain pathologies, will be discussed.

Immunology:

The Immunology section covers the basics of how the immune system works during infection. From the initiation and progression of the inflammatory response when non-self signals are recognized by the innate immune system (PRR-PAMP) to the mechanisms of cell activation and the cellular responses generated, we can appreciate the diversity of possibilities offered by the various players in immunity. In addition, the sequence of events leading to the orientation of the immune response and the acquisition of lasting protection during the adaptive phase will provide a better understanding of the vaccine strategy. Finally, intestinal mucosal immunity will be discussed in the context of the relationship between the host and the microbiota.

- Understand the factors and mechanisms involved in the pathogenicity of bacteria, as well as the mechanisms of escape and infection control.

- Linking the activity of the immune system to the fight against pathogens

- Mastering the scientific method: hypothesis, experimentation, observation, interpretation, conclusion

- Know how to read a scientific article on biology in English

- Know how to critique experiments and scientific results

Microbiology 2, Microbiology 3, Immunology