The brain has been historically considered an immune privileged site, and was thought to be exempt from normal immune surveillance in part due to a lack of key immune molecules.  Recent studies, however, indicate that many molecules of the adaptive immune system are expressed by normal neurons in the developing and adult brain.  Furthermore, some of these immune proteins perform novel, unexpected roles in the context of the central nervous system.  In this class, we will explore emerging models of immune protein function in neurons, and their implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of specific neurological disorders.  The goal of this course is to learn about these discoveries, and in the process, learn to read, critically evaluate, and explain in presentations the content of research articles from the primary research literature.

Prerequisites: BIBC102 (Metabolic Biochemistry), BICD100 (Genetics), and their prerequisites.  BIPN148 (Cellular Basis of Learning and Memory) and BIPN 144 (Developmental Neurobiology) would provide additional useful background, and may be taken concurrently. 


Wednesday 5:00 - 6:20 pm
Max. Enrollment: 25