Ateneo - UPO

Discussion of new cancer immunotherapy approaches, tumor microenvironment and the most innovative prognostic and therapeutic targets. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the main immune-mediated diseases and of the molecules targeted by innovative biotechnological drugs that are in current clinical use and under development.

• Immunologia Cellulare e molecolare, 9^ edizione. Autori: Abul Abbas Andrew H. Lichtman Shiv Pillai.
• Patologia Generale e fisiopatologia, Tomo I, V edizione Pontieri, Russo Frati
• Selected scientific papers published by top ranking journals on the topic
• The slides of the lectures and additional material such as scientific publications will be available to students.

Knowledge and understanding the targets of innovative biotechnological drugs in current clinical use for the treatment of cancers and the main immune-mediated diseases. Applying knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer immunotherapies and the etiopathogenesis of the main immune-mediated diseases to address new potential therapeutic targets and develop new biotechnological drugs.
Gain independence of judgment on the different topics addressed during the course, logically linking concepts and knowledge together. Gain skills regarding the verbal and written communication by the use of specific scientific and technical language.
Understanding of the molecular targets of innovative biotechnological drugs in current clinical use and under study

Basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology and immunology

Lectures as well as interactive flipped classroom methods based on journal club discussion. In particular, journal club discussion of a scientific article will also be carried out, in groups or individually. The presentation will be evaluated with a score that will be mediated with the score of the oral exam

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral exam will consist of open questions aimed at assessing the understanding of the topic, the use of the specific scientific language, the making judgements and the communication skills. The oral exam score will be averaged with the journal club mark. Two exam sessions are scheduled during the months of February, June-July and September.

Mechanisms underlying immune tolerance and pathological basis of autoimmune diseases.
Type I, II, III and IV hypersensitivity reactions. Pathogenesis, current therapeutic options and new potential targets for the main immune-mediated diseases affecting the skin (psoriasis, alopecia, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis), the gastrointestinal system (inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease), the joints (rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis) and for those with systemic involvement (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

In keeping with the Dublin Descriptors
D1- KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student will demonstrate that he has learned and understood the molecules targeted by the innovative biotechnological drugs used for the treatment of cancers and the main immune-mediated diseases. The student will acquire the specific scientific terminology.
D2- APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The student will gain the ability to apply the acquired knowledge in order to 1) understand the therapeutic effects of innovative biotechnological drugs used both in oncology and for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases 2) identify new potential therapeutic targets 3) develop new drugs directed towards specific molecular/cell targets
D3- MAKING JUDGEMENTS The student will gain knowledge to read the literature independently and critically, hence to figure out problems related to innovative biotechnological drug discovery and development
D4- COMUNICATION SKILLS The student will demonstrate that he has acquired the specific scientific terminology to discuss the acquired knowledge both in the academic and industrial fields. The student will develop the ability to disseminate the acquired knowledge in a clear and understandable way even to an audience of non-experts
D5- LEARNING SKILLS The student will be able to examine and interpret scientific texts, so as to go beyond what has been taught, facing and solving new challenges, identifying potential targets for the discovery and development of innovative biotechnological drugs