Neuroimmunology and Inflammation

Full course description

Neuroimmunology is the study of interactions between the immune and the nervous systems. Immune mechanisms and inflammatory processes play an important role in maturation and aging during normal life span. Moreover, brain and spinal cord trauma, neurodegenerative brain diseases and autoimmune diseases involve activation of immune mechanisms and inflammation, which in turn contribute to disease development. This course explains the function of the immune system in general with a special focus on the immune privileged central nervous system. In particular, the course emphasizes the role of inflammatory cells and proinflammatory molecules such as lipids and antibodies in Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and mood disorders. A special focus is placed on the molecular basis of novel treatment approaches for these diseases and regulation of the inflammatory mediators in neurodegeneration. The course also encompasses a practical on neuroinflammation in which students learn to use a relevant biochemical assay.