MBIM 615 Dynamic Interface between Pathogen and Host

Credits: 4
This course will explore strategies by which microorganisms avoid and subvert host defenses to cause disease. Emphasis is on the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis. We will cover several mechanisms shared by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Topics in the first half of the course included intracellular and extracellular infection strategies, microbial exploitation of the host vacuolar trafficking system, bacterial virulence gene regulation, secretion of effector molecules and toxins. The second part of the course will delve into host innate immune defenses, microbial avoidance and manipulation of immune signaling pathways, features of latent and persistent infections, and how commensal organisms interact with the host immune system. Finally, we will look into the future of microbial pathogenesis and discuss the role of “omics” in understanding pathogens and the potential of mathematical modeling of infections.

Graded: A-F
May be taken only once for credit