INFLAMMATORY DEGENERATION AND REGENERATION

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand: 1. The degenerative and reconstructive characteristics of inflammation. 2. The differences between immune responses that address infections versus those that support chronic degenerative pathologies (e.g., IBD, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, allergies/asthma) and tumor development. 3. The interaction between microbiota and autoantigens for immune tolerance. 4. The signaling networks, metabolism, and gene expression that determine the infiltration, adhesion, and adaptation of inflammatory cells to tissue microenvironments and their responses to them. 5. Innovative methodologies for the experimental and clinical evaluation of inflammation and associated immune responses. 6. The developing and future methodologies for addressing inflammatory diseases, immunotherapies, and related processes in cytological, histological, and molecular evaluation. In summary, the course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in inflammatory immunopathologies and cellular processes that can be modified to support physiology. In terms of skills, students will be able to design multiparametric protocols to analyze inflammation processes, for research and clinical evaluation of immunopathologies, and for innovations in clinical management and treatment.

The course focuses on the immune-cellular mechanisms that promote or alter inflammatory processes and the molecular networks that guide them. Specifically, it addresses: (a) Acute inflammation related to infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic) or microbial dysbiosis, (b) Chronic, auto-inflammatory, or autoimmune degenerative processes (e.g., in mucous membranes, musculoskeletal system, internal organs, and central nervous system), (c) Reconstructive inflammations towards tissue healing and supporting tumors. In-depth exploration of these topics includes: (a) Analysis of the heterogeneity of immune-cell subtypes in innate and adaptive immunity that distinguish different types of inflammation, (b) Analysis of mechanisms of immune recognition, exo-/endocellular signaling, metabolism, and gene expression that determine cellular differentiation, infiltration, adaptation, stress, or cell death processes. Furthermore, the course combines modern experimental methodologies for in vivo & in vitro experimentation, innovative approaches in molecular, omics, cytometric, and imaging analysis, as well as translational approaches for the treatment of pathological inflammation and tumors.

23-03-2025