Host-pathogen interactions

This course provides students with knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and advanced techniques for their study. Students will explore both theoretical concepts and practical applications through laboratory work. The course objectives include understanding types of pathogens and their host interaction strategies, molecular mechanisms of virulence, key characteristics of host-pathogen relationships, pathogen adaptive properties, effects of anthropogenic pressure on host-pathogen dynamics, the Red Queen theory and its implications, ethical considerations in "gain-of-function" research and GMOs, and future directions in host-pathogen interaction research. Through practical training, students will gain hands-on experience detecting and analyzing interactions between honey bees (Apis mellifera) and the microsporidian pathogen Nosema ceranae, collecting hemolymph from insect larvae using Galleria mellonella as a model organism, and working with selected bacterial and/or fungal pathogens to study infection processes. The course combines lectures with laboratory exercises to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills in this important field of biological science.

PDF materials prepared for the course by the teacher; Black Jacquelyn G. - Microbiology. Principles and Explorations, 8 th ed., 2012; Madigan Michael T., Martinko John M., Bender Kelly S., Buckley Daniel H., Stahl. David A. (Eds) - Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 14th ed., 2015; John Wiley & Sons, New York; Deacon J. 2006. Fungal biology. 4th edition, Blackwell Publishing; Ingold C.T. 1961. The Biology of Fungi, Hutchinson Educational; Male D., Brostoff J., Roth D., Roitt I. (eds) Immunology 8th edition, Imprint: Saunders, Published Date: 17th September 2012.

Learning outcomes for first-cycle biology studies as defined by the resolution of the UMCS Senate of May 26, 2021.

In terms of knowledge the graduate:

W1: Recognizes basic processes occurring in living organisms exposed to pathogens at the molecular, cellular, and organism level: K_W01.

W2: Describes the relationships between organisms and the environmental pollutions as well as anthropogenic factors: K_W04

W3: Identifies the relationships between host – pathogens interactions and other disciplines of biology and other natural science disciplines, which facilitate understanding of the principles of organism function: K_W04

W4: Acknowledges the development of knowledge in the field of host – pathogens interactions, K_W07

W6: Basic IT tools and databases used in acquiring and analysing data K_W03

In terms of skills, graduate:

U1: Uses basic laboratory and field research tools and techniques applied in pathogens recognition: K_U04

U2: Performs simple analyses of biological material with respect to host – pathogens interactions and preparatory procedures K_U03

U3: Has an ability to conduct basic laboratory experiments in biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, and biology: K_U10

U4: Formulates correct conclusions from analysis of biological materials: K_U07

U5: communicate orally and in writing using specialist terminology. Participate in specialist discussions and debates, with particular emphasis on presenting the results of independently conducted observations and experiments K_U08

In terms of social competence, the graduate:

K1: Is able to assess knowledge and skills acquired at the undergraduate level and recognizes the need for continuous improvement of language skills and knowledge from host – pathogens interactions: K_K01

K2: Has an ability to work in a team in order to fulfil tasks efficiently, and prepares presentations: K_K03

On the basis of the Resolution of the UMCS Senate No. XXV-8.10/21 of May 26, 2021, i.e. from the education cycle 2021/2022