Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology from Coursera

Our immune system is a powerful network. It protects us from external threats, such as harmful substances and pathogenic agents, as well as cellular changes which could lead to diseases. Complications emerge when our natural defences do not function properly, which can result in immune disorders. These can take the form of less severe issues such as insect allergy. Others are more harmful, such as auto aggressive immune reactions, that lead to localised or systemic tissue damage.

In this course, you will learn about immune system failures which can cause insufficient responses to internal or external threats. We will look at immune deficiencies. These weaken an individual’s immunity and leave them unable to effectively fight infections or manage disease. We will examine the consequences of chronic inflammation on the immune system, in the context of ectopic lymphoid organs. We will also examine immune system malfunctions in tumour development, and the role of viral infections in human cancer.

What's inside

Syllabus

Immunodeficiencies

In module one, you will explore the genetic regulation of our immune system. Through the example of primary immuno deficiencies and looking at their detrimental effect on our innate and/or adaptive responses, you will discuss their individual pathological manifestation and some potential therapeutic avenues of investigation.

Tertiary lymphoid structures

In module two, our expert will take you on a journey to explore tertiary lymphoid structures. These are immunological organisations that develop in tissues affected by chronic inflammation in response to various alienations. Interestingly, you will explore why these structures can sometime hinder or benefit disease resolution.

Tumour immunology

In module three, you will discover that the outcome of cancer heavily relies on the crosstalk and relationship between the tumour and immune cells found in its micro-environment. You will explore this relationship from the point of view of tumour escape mechanisms and how these manipulate our immune response. Finally, you will learn about therapies that use our immune system to combat this deadly disease.

Viral persistence and human cancer

With approximately ten percent of the global cancer burden potentially attributed to viruses, our last module of the course, module four, will explore the relationship between viral persistence on cancers. Importantly, as viral infection is not sufficient for cancer to develop, you will investigate the physiological contribution of our immune system in this complex landscape.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores fundamentals of immunology while focusing on immune system failures

Examines immune deficiencies, which weaken an individual's immunity

Investigates the role of chronic inflammation on the immune system

Analyzes immune system malfunctions in tumor development

Examines the relationship between viral persistence and human cancer

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology with these activities:

Review Immunology and Serological Techniques

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Provides a solid foundation in immunology and serological techniques, enhancing comprehension of the course material.

Browse courses on Immunology

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Review basic immunological concepts
Examine different serological techniques
Practice interpreting immunological data

Janeway's Immunobiology

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Provides a comprehensive foundation in immunology, enhancing your understanding of the course material.

View Janeway's Immunobiology on Amazon

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Review core immunology concepts
Explore advanced immunological topics

Collaborative Case Study Analysis

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Fosters critical thinking and teamwork skills by analyzing real-world immune system disorders in a group setting.

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Analyze the case
Present findings and discuss
Select a case study

One other activity

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Advanced Immunological Techniques Workshop

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Expands your practical knowledge of advanced immunological techniques, enabling you to conduct complex experiments.

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Enroll in a workshop
Learn advanced techniques
Apply techniques in research projects

Career center

Learners who complete Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Immunologist

Immunologists study the immune system and its role in health and disease. This course can help you build a foundation in immunology, which is essential for a career as an immunologist. You will learn about the different components of the immune system, how they work together to protect the body from infection, and how they can malfunction to cause disease. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as an immunologist, as you will need to understand the immune system in order to diagnose and treat patients with immune disorders.

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Cancer Researcher

Cancer researchers study the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This course can help you build a foundation in cancer immunology, which is a growing field of research. You will learn about the different types of cancer, how they develop, and how the immune system can be used to fight cancer. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a cancer researcher, as you will need to understand cancer and the immune system in order to develop new treatments for cancer.

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Virologist

Virologists study viruses and their role in health and disease. This course can help you build a foundation in virology, which is essential for a career as a virologist. You will learn about the different types of viruses, how they replicate, and how they can cause disease. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a virologist, as you will need to understand viruses in order to diagnose and treat patients with viral infections.

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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms and their role in health and disease. This course can help you build a foundation in microbiology, which is essential for a career as a microbiologist. You will learn about the different types of microorganisms, how they grow and reproduce, and how they can cause disease. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a microbiologist, as you will need to understand microorganisms in order to diagnose and treat patients with infections.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course can help you build a foundation in epidemiology, which is essential for a career as an epidemiologist. You will learn about the different types of epidemiological studies, how to design and conduct epidemiological studies, and how to interpret the results of epidemiological studies. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as an epidemiologist, as you will need to understand epidemiology in order to investigate and control outbreaks of disease.

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Pathologist

Pathologists study the causes and effects of disease. This course can help you build a foundation in pathology, which is essential for a career as a pathologist. You will learn about the different types of diseases, how they develop, and how they can be diagnosed and treated. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a pathologist, as you will need to understand diseases in order to diagnose and treat patients.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. This course can help you build a foundation in medicine, which is essential for a career as a physician assistant. You will learn about the different body systems, how they work together, and how to diagnose and treat common diseases. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a physician assistant, as you will need to understand medicine in order to provide care to patients.

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Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide direct patient care and are responsible for monitoring patients' health, administering medications, and providing emotional support. This course can help you build a foundation in nursing, which is essential for a career as a registered nurse. You will learn about the different aspects of nursing, including patient care, medication administration, and infection control. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a registered nurse, as you will need to understand nursing in order to provide care to patients.

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Medical Technologist

Medical technologists perform laboratory tests to diagnose and treat diseases. This course can help you build a foundation in medical technology, which is essential for a career as a medical technologist. You will learn about the different types of laboratory tests, how they are performed, and how to interpret the results. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a medical technologist, as you will need to understand medical technology in order to perform laboratory tests and diagnose and treat patients.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians perform routine laboratory tests and procedures under the supervision of a laboratory scientist or technologist. This course can help you build a foundation in laboratory technology, which is essential for a career as a laboratory technician. You will learn about the different types of laboratory tests, how they are performed, and how to interpret the results. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a laboratory technician, as you will need to understand laboratory technology in order to perform laboratory tests and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

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Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement health education programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course can help you build a foundation in health education, which is essential for a career as a health educator. You will learn about the different types of health education programs, how they are developed and implemented, and how to evaluate their effectiveness. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a health educator, as you will need to understand health education in order to develop and implement programs that promote health and prevent disease.

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Public Health Officer

Public health officers protect and promote the health of the public through the development and implementation of public health policies and programs. This course can help you build a foundation in public health, which is essential for a career as a public health officer. You will learn about the different aspects of public health, including epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work as a public health officer, as you will need to understand public health in order to protect and promote the health of the public.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. This course may be useful for building a foundation in pharmacology, which is helpful for pharmacists. You will learn about the different types of medications, how they are used, and how to counsel patients on their use. This knowledge will be helpful in your work as a pharmacist, as you will need to understand pharmacology in order to dispense medications and provide information about their use.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for building a foundation in medicine, which is helpful for physicians. You will learn about the different body systems, how they work together, and how to diagnose and treat common diseases. This knowledge will be helpful in your work as a physician, as you will need to understand medicine in order to diagnose and treat patients.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals. This course may be useful for building a foundation in veterinary medicine, which is helpful for veterinarians. You will learn about the different animal species, how their bodies work, and how to diagnose and treat common diseases. This knowledge will be helpful in your work as a veterinarian, as you will need to understand veterinary medicine in order to diagnose and treat animals.

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