Part 1: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 | 8:30 AM 11:30 AM (US ET)
Part 2: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 8:30 AM 11:30 AM (US ET)
Part 3: Tuesday, November 17, 2020 | 8:30 AM 11:30 AM (US ET)
Instructor:
Masha Fridkis-Hareli, MSc, PhD, Founder and President, ATR, LLC
Part 1 Innate and Adaptive Immunity
This part will cover the general concepts of immune responses, including cell lineages, immune mediators, primary and secondary lymphoid organs, with a specific focus on innate and adaptive immunity and their mechanisms. Innate cell types, receptors, costimulatory signals, and complement pathways will be discussed. The adaptive immunity component will describe maturation and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes, structure and function of their antigen receptors, signaling pathways, and antibody diversity.
Main topics covered will include:
- Introduction to the immune system – cells, organs, mediators
- How the innate immune system recognizes microbes and damaged cells
- How do the different components of innate immunity function to combat different types of microbes?
- Microbial evasion mechanisms
- How do innate immune responses stimulate adaptive immune responses?
- Lymphocyte maturation processes
- Structure and function of T and B lymphocyte antigen receptors
- Activation of T and B lymphocytes
- Development of immune repertoires
- Antibody-based analytical methods
Part 2 Autoimmunity: Mechanisms and Treatments
This part will describe mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance in T and B lymphocytes, and the role of key inhibitory receptors. The origins of autoimmunity, specifically as it relates to genetic and environmental factors, will be presented in the context of association with MHC and non-MHC alleles. The role of infections in promoting autoimmunity will be discussed. Case studies of autoimmune disease therapies, including biologics and small molecules will be covered.
Main topics covered will include:
- Immunological tolerance (central, peripheral)
- Autoimmunity - pathogenesis, genetic factors
- Role of infections and other environmental influences
- Therapies for autoimmune disorders
- Biologics
- Small molecules
Part 3 Cancer: Immunology-Based Therapeutic Approaches
This part will cover basic mechanisms of cancer and its interactions with the immune system. Specifically, tumor antigens, immune responses against tumors, and tumor rejection pathways will be discussed as a basis for cancer immunotherapy approaches. Immunotherapies covered are CAR T, cancer vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, with evolution of structure and case studies for each type. Monoclonal antibodies and combination immunotherapies will be included.
Main topics covered will include:
- Immune responses against tumors
- Tumor antigens
- Immune mechanisms of tumor rejection
- Evasion of immune responses by tumors
- Cancer immunotherapy
- CAR T development
- Types of cancer vaccines
- Immune checkpoints as players in peripheral tolerance
- Approved checkpoint inhibitors in cancer
- Monoclonal antibodies and combination therapies
Instructor Biography:
Masha Fridkis-Hareli, MSc, PhD, Founder and President, ATR, LLC
Masha Fridkis-Hareli, MSc, PhD, is an immunologist, consultant, and inventor with over 20 years of experience in academia and industry. She is Founder and President of ATR,
LLC, a translational research company providing scientific consulting and laboratory services in immunoassay development. After serving as Principal Investigator at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Fridkis-Hareli transitioned to industry,
where she held a variety of positions with increasing responsibilities at Resolvyx Pharmaceuticals, Charles River Laboratories, Taligen Therapeutics, and Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Fridkis-Hareli is a co-author of over 100 publications and 17
issued patents. She is an Adjunct Professor at the Harvard Extension School, Northeastern University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Framingham State University, where she teaches courses in Biotechnology and Immunology at the graduate biotechnology
programs.