At the end of this course, the student must:
Be able to define what a pathogen is
Be able to state the factors that influence the balance between the pathogen and its host
State the mechanisms by which a pathogen influences its host
State the mechanisms by which a host influences its pathogens
Be able to explain the different molecular and cellular biology experiments seen in the course and explain how these experiments answer (or not) the scientific question previously stated
This course has two very distinct objectives.
The first objective is the transmission of knowledge on host-pathogen relationships. We will begin by stating the criteria used to characterize a microorganism as a pathogenic microorganism. The factors influencing the host-pathogen balance as well as the arms race between the host and its pathogens will be illustrated by concrete examples.
The second objective of this course is to allow the learner to understand how these host-pathogen relationships have been characterized. We will detail many experiments starting from the state of the art, then ask the scientific question, report the experiment conducted and finally draw conclusions. It is therefore the understanding of this fundamental research process that represents the second objective of this course.
The course will begin by defining the term “pathogen” and by stating the practical criteria used to qualify a particular microorganism as “pathogenic”. We will study the host-pathogen relationship in the context of viral and bacterial infections.
Host-pathogen relationship, general concepts
Innate antiviral response mediated by APOBEC3 proteins – an arms race that has a cost for the host
Vibrio cholerae and cholera
Brucella spp. and Brucellosis
Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme disease
Seminar given by a guest professor
Oral examination with written preparation covering the material seen in the theoretical courses and seminars.
Scientific publications and seminars.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Biology | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biomedical Sciences, Professional focus in Preclinical Research | Standard | 0 | 2 | |
| Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Research focus | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Teaching focus | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Professional focus | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biomedical Sciences, Professional focus in Preclinical Research | Standard | 1 | 2 | |
| Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Research focus | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Teaching focus | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Professional focus | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology | Standard | 1 | 3 |