Synopsis: This module is designed to explore in depth the regulatory interactions between the immune system and neuroendocrine signals, especially during disease and injury. Recent advances in the neuroendocrine system regulating the brain's timing mechanisms, stress, and the action of various internal (hormonal) and external (toxins ) environmental factors will be presented. The emphasis will be on detailing the neural clock network and connectivites mediating cytokine action and the impact of cytokines on various signaling modalities (peptidergic, aminergic, etc.) at cellular and molecular levels. The role of glial cells during cytokine signaling will be explored. Cellular aspects of the blood-brain interface relevant to the control of lymphocyte trafficking will be discussed in the context of CNS autoimmune disease and acquired immunodeficiency syndromes.
Time Offered: Fall
Evaluation of student performance: Letter grade.
Faculty: Dr. Satya Kalra will direct the course together with Dr. Jake Streit. Additional faculty members who will cover specialized topics include Drs. Pushpa Kalra and Jeff Harrison.
Assigned Readings: TBA