MICR808 Syllabus

 MICR 808 Immunology


A. Course objectives

This course is designed to provide a detailed understanding of select topics in Immunology.  At the end of this course, the student should:

1. gain expertise in using published literature to explain immunologic concepts,

2. gain expertise in experimental approaches used in immunology,

3. interpret data from experiments testing immunologic concepts, and

4. design experiments to test novel hypotheses in immunology.


B. Schedule of Sessions

Each week, students will be expected to perform a literature search related to the topic assigned for that date.  Following the literature search, each student will be expected to present key data from one paper that addresses at least one question that follows the topic for that day.  Class will be used to discuss key data related to the topic.


Week Numbers




Jan 23

Dendritic cells

How are DCs activated by pathogens?

How do DCs dictate helper T cell function?


Jan 30

Dendritic cells

What is cross-presentation and where is it important?


Feb 6


What are M1 and M2 macrophages?


Feb 13

T cell development

On what data is the affinity model of thymic selection based?

What is the role of ERK in thymic selection?


Feb 20

T cell development

How can recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) be identified?

Are RTEs fully mature?


Feb 27

CD4+ T cell differentiation

How were Th1 and Th2 cells first discovered and what do they do?


Mar 6

CD4+ T cell differentiation

What are TFH cells and what do they do?



Mar 13

T cell differentiation

Compare central and effector memory T cells.  This could include how to identify the populations, the location of the cells, and the function of the cells.


Mar 20

Spring Break




Mar 27

T cell differentiation

What are CD8+ regulatory T cells and what do they do?


Apr 3

B cell development

What are transitional B cells?


Apr 10

B cell development

Compare follicular B cells and marginal zone B cells.  This could include mechanisms of development or differences in response to antigen.


Apr 17

B cell activation

What is the function of inhibitory receptors on B cells?


Apr 24

B cell differentiation

Can T-independent antigens generate memory B cells?


May 1

Graft-versus-host disease

Compare the immunologic characteristics of acute and chronic GvHD.


May 8

No class


C. Evaluation

40%: Class participation

60%: Oral final exam

Grading scale: 86-100% = A; 71-85% = B; 70% or below = C


Oral final exam:

Class will not meet May 8.  Instead, students will use this time to work on their final exam.  For the exam, students will write the specific aims page of an NIH-style grant application.  (a great resource for how to write a grant application is: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/ncn/grants/app/default.htm).  Write a brief background that will introduce the reader to the topic and a clear hypothesis.  Then, list specific aims that will test the hypothesis.  The specific aims page should be one page (references not included).

The written portion of the final exam is due NO LATER THAN 5 PM, May 10, 2013.  The exam should be submitted via e-mail to tyankee@kumc.edu.  The final exam will take place the week of May 13 at a time and place to be determined.  This exam will be based on the written specific aims page, but any material covered in the course is considered fair question material.

Tips for choosing a topic:  Students may choose a topic discussed in class, but are not obligated to do so.  Relevant topics can be found in the table of contents of a current issue of Immunity, Journal of Immunology, Journal of Experimental Medicine, or other leading immunology journal.  One could use a paper from the current literature as background information and preliminary data, but the hypothesis and proposal must be unique.

DO NOT write a proposal based on your area of research.

Students are highly encouraged to discuss your topic and ideas with the instructor of the course.


D. Instructor

Thomas Yankee, Pharm. D., Ph.D.

Hixon 3004





Background information can be found in any standard immunology textbook.

Last modified: Aug 14, 2013