Description: This course will focus on the biology of MAIT and NKT cells, two important subsets of innate T cells. We will first study the antigen processing pathways that provide the unique ligands necessary to activate MAIT and NKT cells. The development and function of MAIT and NKT cells in the immune system will then be dissected. Input from the students will be used to define the last week of the course which will focus on the role of these two cell times in disease and/or the immune response to infection. A prior introductory immunology course would be beneficial but is not required.
Structure: Each class will start with a short (>30 min) didactic lecture to introduce the topic and paper followed by paper-based discussion. In general, one paper will be covered in detail each session, although more may be assigned (for example, a recent review on the topic).
Outcome: The students will gain an understanding of the development and function of these two innate T cell populations in immune system function with a focus on the roles these powerful subsets of T cells play. The students will gain experience dissecting primary immunological literature with a focus on critical evaluation of the experimental evidence used to support the novel ideas that have defined the roles of these T cell subsets.
Grading: 65% - class participation 10% - literature search for last week 25% - A short paper (2 pages max) describing the role of an innate T cell population in the immune response; due April 29, 2024 nerating systems.
Instructor(s): Lisa Denzin, Derek Sant’Angelo and Qi Yang