Biology of symbiotic and parasitic interactions

The general aim of this course is to develop the concepts needed to study symbiotic interactions, whether parasitic or mutualistic. To this end, we will address the specificities and ubiquity of the parasitic way of life in the tree of life. The defense mechanisms of host organisms, the notions of favoritism and manipulation, the consequences of host-symbiont interactions on life-history traits and the influence of these interactions on the diversification of organisms will be addressed.

Practical work will provide an opportunity to explore these concepts in greater depth on some major models of interactions involving symbionts (viruses, bacteria, unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes) and a variety of hosts (unicellular and multicellular).

- Knowledge of the biology of parasitic and symbiotic interactions (diversity, morpho-anat-physio in relation to the interaction)

- Knowledge of the life cycles of fundamental symbiotic and parasitic organisms, including the concepts of promotion and manipulation

- Address the molecular aspects of host-symbiont interactions (defense and avoidance strategies and mechanisms, including immuno-biological interactions, extended phenotype-behavior, resistance, tolerance, bypassing host defenses, promotion, manipulation).

- Interactions and evolution (symbionts as drivers of evolution, evolution of symbiotic interactions, co-evolution, co-adaptations, co-specifications, Queen Red).

100% continuous assessment