VTMB 580 Fall 2009
Microbial Pathogenesis: Host-Pathogen Interactions
Wednesdays and Fridays
1:10-3:00
Molecular Biosciences Rm 166
Instructors
Dr Michele Hardy
Dr Jay Radke
Dr Mark Jutila
Dr Robert Cramer
Dr Benfang Lei
We will explore in-depth mechanisms by which organisms of significant medical interest interact with host cells resulting in tissue or systems pathology. Topics include viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoan models. Mechanisms that pathogens employ to hijack or modulate host signaling pathways, metabolic machinery and defense will be explored through lectures and literature review. Likewise, host responses that have evolved to recognize and eliminate foreign organisms will be an area of emphasis. Pathogenesis is considered from the perspective of biology of the organism and the response of the host that contribute to disease progression.