Immunotherapy-1 (20 credits)
This module will seek to apply what has already been learnt to the development and application of immunotherapy. This will build on basic knowledge provided in previous modules with a focus on applied immunology and translating basic science into safe and effective therapeutics.
The module will be divided into two sections:
Immunomodulation and vaccination
This module section focuses on the role of microbes in immunotherapy and will outline the distinct processes involved in i) the immune response to infective agents such as bacteria/virus; ii) how vaccination induces protective responses and how they function and iii) how immune responses to microbes can be exploited as sources of immunotherapies for non-infectious diseases, including Cancer.
Cancer immunotherapy
This module section provides students with knowledge on both cellular and macromolecular emerging and established therapeutics. Students will be exposed to how current antibodies are developed and important considerations for safety and efficacy. The various cellular approaches to target cancer will also be discussed.
This module will be based on lectures covering each topic supplemented with small group tutorial sessions. It includes tutor-led and Project Based Learning along with discussion of cutting-edge research publications. An important element is to push the students to identify new immunotherapy approaches for various diseases, including Cancer. Students will be guided through the process of writing a novel research proposal.
Module attendance required
Three weeks of lectures and small group tutorials.
Assessment
Coursework (100%):
- Development of a research grant proposal, in less than 4000 words, with the objective of immunotherapy or immunomodulation.
Academics involved in the delivery of this module
Dr Jianmin Zuo (Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy), Dr Carmela De Santo (Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy), Professor Ben Willcox (Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy), and Dr Heather Long (Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy) and a number of other researchers from across the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.