All cells of the immune system share a common origin with the remainder of the cells of the blood. Because these cells have a limited lifespan, a constant source of production must be maintained throughout adult life. Two distinct phases of blood development can be identified, functioning during either embryonic or adult life. This course predominantly focuses on hematopoiesis as one of the best characterized mammalian developmental models, and also touches on stem cells for other organ systems. Topics include cell-cell interactions, soluble mediators of proliferation and differentiation, the importance of specific developmental environments in directing lineage commitment, and the major techniques that are utilized to study these questions.
Students use both textbooks as well as journal articles for sources of information.
In addition, students are expected to discuss and present many of the concepts gleaned in the class. Active participation is a necessity, and class size will be limited to eight to 10 students. Cytokines are a group of proteins which serve an important role in intercellular signaling. They can facilitate the recruitment of leukocytes into solid tissues, control the behavior of many cell types, and regulate major physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. The objective of this seminar course is to survey the interleukins and other selected cytokines.