OPTION 1

The overall objective of this course unit is to explore the concepts necessary for studying symbiotic interactions, whether parasitic or mutualistic. To this end, we will examine the specific characteristics and ubiquity of the parasitic lifestyle in the tree of life. The defense mechanisms of host organisms, the concepts of facilitation and manipulation, the consequences of host-symbiote interactions on life history traits, and the influence of these interactions on the diversification of organisms will be discussed.

The practical work will provide an opportunity to explore these concepts in greater depth using certain major models of interactions involving symbionts (viruses, bacteria, unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes) and various hosts (unicellular and multicellular).

See the full page

This course consists mainly of theoretical lectures dealing with the molecular aspects of infectious diseases (bacteriology, virology, parasitology).

Bacteriology: The nature of infectious agents. Methods for studying pathogenesis (in vivo, in vitro, in silico, and post-genomic technologies) Strategies used by pathogenic bacteria to survive in organisms: Adhesion of bacteria to eukaryotic cells, antigenic variation and phase variation, invasion of non-phagocytic eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of resistance to phagocytosis, mechanisms of bacterial survival in phagocytic cells, management of membrane permeability, bacterial secretion systems (types I, II, III, IV, V, and VI), iron acquisition mechanisms, bacterial exotoxins, bacterial biofilms, examples of environmental regulation (thermoregulation, quorum sensing, etc.).

Parasitology: Cellular organization and physiology of major pathogens within parasitic unicellular eukaryotes (invasion and modification of the host cell; metabolic characteristics and therapeutic targets); Genetics and molecular biology (genome organization, antigenic variation); Pathophysiology and immune response evasion

Virology: Molecular mechanisms of the viral cycle; Expression of viral genomes; Transformation by viruses; Virus replication strategies; Plasticity of viral genomes; Structural importance of viruses in host interactions; 

See the full page

See the full page