Introductory description

The SARS CoV2 pandemic has enhanced the need for true molecular understanding of both viral life cycles, viral immune responses, how viruses evade these responses, and ultimately how we can apply cutting edge techniques to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent current and future pandemics. This module builds on the sound immunological and viral understanding provided in LF264 (Immunology) and LF213 (Virology) to produce a case-based module that focuses on 5 specific viruses: HIV, Ebola, SARS CoV2, Herpes Simplex Virus and Hepatitis C.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Case Study 1: HIV
Lecture 1: Molecular Understanding of the HIV
Lecture 2: Normal anti-viral immune response and how HIV evades the T-cell response
Lecture 3: Anti-retroviral therapies

Workshop 1: How HIV is aiding the re-emergences of TB

Case Study 2: Ebola
Lecture 4: Molecular Understanding of the Ebola
Lecture 5: Importance of IgM in early viral responses and why "cytokine storms" arise
Lecture 6: Zmapp, Zmapp and vVSV-ZEBOV

Workshop 2: Ethical implications of "in-field" trials

Case Study 3: SARS CoV2
Lecture 7: Molecular Understanding of SARS CoV2
Lecture 8: Impact of age on anti-viral immune responses
Lecture 9: The new norm? Advent of RNA vaccines

Workshop 3: Modelling the pandemic- the importance of SAGE in public health policy

Case Study 4: Herpes Simplex Virus
Lecture 10: Molecular Understanding of HSV
Lecture 11: Neuroimmunology
Lecture 12: Reactivating the CNS immune response using light and sound

Workshop: Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics: targeting across the blood brain barrier

Case Study 5: Hepatitis C Virus
Lecture 13: Molecular Understanding of HepC
Lecture 14: The cellular mediate response and the implications of chronic resposnes
Lecture 15: Hepatitis C and cancer

Lecture 16: Revision lecture

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Understand the molecular basis of viral replication
• 2. Understand antiviral immune responses
• 3. Understand the molecular basis of viral evasion strategies
• 4. Understand the molecular targets for anti-viral therapies
• 5. Understand the mechanisms of vaccine development
• 6. Understand the epidemiology of viral pandemics and public health control mechanisms

Subject specific skills

1. Understand the molecular basis of viral replication
2. Understand antiviral immune responses
3. Understand the molecular basis of viral evasion strategies
4. Understand the molecular targets for anti-viral therapies
5. Understand the mechanisms of vaccine development
6. Understand the epidemiology of viral pandemics and public health control mechanisms

Transferable skills

1. Scientific writing
2. Critical review of primary scientific research
3. Lateral thinking
4. Professionalism
5. Information literacy
6. Digital literacy
7. Teamwork
8. Problem Solving
9. Communication