Immunotherapies: Harnessing the Immune System in Treatments: Cancer/Autoimmuie Diseases

This course focuses on drug therapies that harness the human immune system in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. We will begin by exploring the mysteries of the body's hidden defense system: the human immune system. We will discuss how the body protects us against pathogens, which cells are involved, and how they communicate with each other. We will then review what happens when immune health is compromised in cancer and autoimmune disease, and explore cutting-edge therapies that stimulate immune responses in treatment of these diseases. The course is for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the immune system and leading-edge immunotherapies. Discussions will include in-depth molecular and cellular immunology. Recommended reading and short videos will be provided as background each week of the course to supplement seminars. Prior knowledge of biology will be helpful, but is not required.