This postgraduate course is inspired by the interest in immunology research at the AMC, VU University Amsterdam, and the Central Laboratory of Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation. It is intended for PhD students working on projects that require substantial knowledge of principles in immunology. The aim is to further extend your knowledge of recent developments in immunology and to help you better understand scientific questions and approaches in immunological research.

The participant should have a good basic knowledge of immunology (Cuby, Janeway), as obtained during graduate training. It is advised that you attend this course in the first year of your PhD project.

The course is given in English.

Topics

• molecules (MHC, antigen receptors, co-stimulatory molecules adhesion molecules)
• mediators (cytokines, chemokines, hormones)
• and cells (T and B lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, natural immune cells) involved in immune responses; antigen processing; regulation of immune responses; effector mechanisms; infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmunity and allergy.