Course

Module 1

Immune Responses and Cellular Mechanisms in Infection

Foundations of innate and adaptive immune responses against various classes of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as TLRs and NLRs, antigen presentation pathways, and the cytokine networks involved in immune activation and resolution. Infection-induced cell death pathways including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, along with the role of autophagy (especially xenophagy) in microbial clearance. Pathological consequences of cytokine dysregulation, such as cytokine storms seen in sepsis and COVID-19, and targeted immunotherapies such as anti-IL-6 or JAK-STAT inhibitors. Immune evasion mechanisms employed by pathogens—ranging from antigen presentation disruption to cytokine modulation in immunotherapy resistance.

Module 2

Immunotherapeutics and Cytokine Therapy

Passive immunotherapy approaches, including therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), and the use of convalescent plasma or hyperimmune globulins. The mechanisms of action (neutralization, opsonization, ADCC), antibody types (chimeric, humanized, bispecific), and clinical examples such as Palivizumab and anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs will be explored. It also covers current and emerging vaccine technologies, including traditional platforms (inactivated, live-attenuated, subunit) and modern approaches such as mRNA, DNA, and viral vector vaccines. Immunological basis of adjuvants like Alum, MPL, and AS01, and their roles in directing Th1/Th2/Th17 responses. Cytokine-based therapies such as IFN-α/γ, IL-2, and TNF inhibitors are discussed alongside strategies to avoid cytokine storms. Immunomodulatory strategies including checkpoint inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and the balance between immune stimulation and suppression in infectious diseases.

Module 3

Host-Directed Therapies and Emerging Immunotechnologies

Cutting-edge and translational immunotherapies that target host biology rather than pathogens directly. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) for infections like TB and ESKAPE pathogens are examined, along with advanced cell-based approaches including adoptive T-cell therapy, TCR-T cells, and the promising application of CAR-T cells and engineered NK cells in infectious disease. Emerging strategies such as microbiota-mediated immune modulation, nanomedicine for targeted delivery of immune modulators, and CRISPR-based gene editing in infection management are introduced. Recombinant DNA technology and immunotherapies. Case studies on immunotherapeutic and vaccine strategies for diseases like COVID-19, TB, Dengue, Malaria, HIV, and Ebola will be included to enhance clinical relevance.

This course explores the immune system’s response to infectious diseases, focusing on both protective mechanisms and pathogen strategies for immune evasion. It integrates foundational concepts in immunology with current advances in immune therapeutics, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, microbiome based therapies, cytokine therapies, and host-directed treatments. Students will examine the roles of cell death pathways, cytokine signalling, macrophage polarization, and epigenetics in infection and immunity. Emphasis is placed on translational applications and emerging technologies for infectious disease prevention and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses to diverse pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• Analyze pathogen-induced cell death pathways (apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis) and autophagy, and their roles in infection control and immune regulation.
• Evaluate current and emerging immunotherapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapies, and modern vaccine platforms like mRNA and viral vectors.
• Explore host-directed therapies (HDTs) and novel technologies such as CAR-T cells, microbiota modulation, nanomedicine, and CRISPR-based interventions in infectious disease management.

Course Outcome

Understand and analyse the immune system’s response to a wide range of pathogens, including the role of cytokines, cell death pathways, and immune cell activation in infection.Evaluate the application of immunotherapies, including monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapies, and host-directed therapies, in managing infectious diseases. Apply knowledge of vaccine platforms and technologies to understand their design, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Investigate emerging immunological strategies such as CRISPR, nanomedicine, and microbiota modulation in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.

Janeway’s Immunobiology

Authors: Kenneth Murphy, Casey Weaver

Edition: 10th Edition (2022)

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

ISBN: 978-0393884913

Cellular and Molecular Immunology

Authors: Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, Shiv Pillai

Edition: 10th Edition (2021)

Publisher: Elsevier

ISBN: 978-0323757485

Immunology of Infectious Diseases

Authors: Stefan H. E. Kaufmann, Alan Sher, Rafi Ahmed

Edition: 1st Edition (2002)

Publisher: ASM Press (American Society for Microbiology)

ISBN: 978-1555812534

Kuby Immunology

Authors: Jenni Punt, Sharon Stranford, Patricia Jones, Judith A. Owen

Edition: 9th Edition (2023)

Publisher: Macmillan Learning

ISBN: 978-1319511479