Imunology and Cancer

Code:

MO07

Acronym:

IC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Health Sciences

Instance: 2022/2023 - 1S (of 12-09-2022 to 10-02-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Molecular Pahology and Immunology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master Degree in Oncology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MO	20	Oficial Plan 2018	1	-	3	23	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The purpose of this UC is to present immune cells as a very important component of the tumor microenvironment, crucial for the efficient elimination of the tumor or, on the contrary, permissive and facilitator of tumor progression. Therefore, we will address basic concepts of innate and adaptive immunology, identifying the major immune cells and immune mediators that intervene in the context of an infection or of a tumor. We will explore the principal mechanisms by which tumor cells escape immune surveillance. The main advances in cancer therapy, namely in the area of ​​immunotherapy, will be discussed and the most recent clinical evidences will be presented.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end, the students should be able to:

1. Identify the major cellular and molecular components mediating innate and adaptive immunology.
2. Describe the processes of immune editing and how tumor cells are eliminated by the immune system.
3. Identify the mechanisms by which tumor cells escape immune surveillance and form metastases and relapse.
4. Know the principles of the main forms of therapies targeting immune cells.
5. Discuss the principles, limitations and challenges of emerging immunotherapies.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Have a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Medicine, Farmaceutical Sciences or associated areas.

Program

 

• Inate Immunity and Adaptive Immunity: main response phases and main cellular components
• Cells of the immune system and their main functions: monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T lymphocytes (CD4 and CD8, Th17, Tregs, ƳδT), B lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)
• Functions of the main tissues of the immune system: bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, Peyer's patches
• Molecular mediators of the immune response: antigens, MHC class I, MHC class II, T-cell receptors and co-receptors, antibodies, cytokines and chemokines
• The different phases of the immune response: antigen processing and presentation, immunological synapse, activation and expansion of T cells, acquisition of effector or memory functions, activation of B cells and production of antibodies
• Immune Tolerance and Autoimmune Diseases
• Cancer as a disease of dysregulation of the immune response: "non-inflamed" tumors, immuno-excluded tumors, "inflamed”
• 3Es of the tumor immune response: elimination, equilibrium and escape
• Recognition and elimination of tumor cells, tumor dormancy, and mechanisms of control and avoidance of immunological surveillance
• Main anti-tumor therapies and their impact on the immune response, with emphasis on immunotherapy and vaccines
• Principles of immunotherapy (anti-PD1, anti-PDL1, anti-CTLA4) and main drugs available
• Clinical impact of the use of immunotherapy: examples of failure and success
• The main challenges of fighting cancer and the role of tumor immunology. The most emerging needs: to identify biomarkers of response and anticipate resistance to treatment

Mandatory literature

Richard A. Goldsby; Kuby immunology. ISBN: 0-7167-3331-5
Richard A. Goldsby; Kuby immunology. ISBN: 0-7167-3331-5

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classes with interactive and pedagogic slides, inciting the participation of the students, teh bibliographic research and to criticism.

The students will be invited to present in group an article selected by the teacher.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	2,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	8,00
Exame	90,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	8,00
Estudo autónomo	60,00
Frequência das aulas	24,00
Total:	92,00

Eligibility for exams

Participation in at least 2/3 of the classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation by final written exam with questions of short answer and development (18/20 values) and presentation and discussion of articles in the class (2/20 values). Students will be approved when the final grade is equal to or greater than 9.45 / 20 values.

Examinations or Special Assignments

The students will constitute groups to present to the other colleagues a scientific manuscript, selected by the teacher, critically discussing the interpretation of the achieved results

Internship work/project

Not considered