67168 - Genomics Microbiology and Vaccines with lab

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, students have advanced knowledge in the field of microbiology, with particular reference to the biodiversity of microorganisms and viruses, the dynamics of infectious processes and the rationale for developing vaccines. In particular, the student: - knows the main groups of microorganisms and viruses - knows the virulence and pathogenicity factors of microorganisms and viruses - knows the dynamics of disease processes and interactions with host - knows the strategies for the design and development of vaccines. Moreover, the student is familiar in the laboratory with the molecular and bioinformatic technologies necessary to the design and development of vaccines. In particular, the student is able to: - conduct bioinformatic analys of the genomes of microorganisms and viruses - use molecular biology technologies to produce recombinant baculoviruses for expression of heterologous protein.

Course contents

General principles for the development of vaccines.

Antiviral vaccines: inactivated virus, attenuated virus, subunit, recombinant. Lines of biotechnological development of vaccines.

Viruses of medical relevance and related vaccines: Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae, togaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Reoviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Papillomaviridae, Retroviridae, Poxviridae.

Antibacterial vaccines: inactivated cells, attenuated cells, toxoids, polysaccharides, protein subunits.

Bacteria of medical relevance and related vaccines: Bacilli, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Clostridia, Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Neisseria, Enterobacteriaceae.

Reverse vaccinology: genomics, post-genomics and vaccine development.

Laboratory module: expression of recombinant capsid protein of parvovirus B19 by using the baculovirus system.

Readings/Bibliography

Michele La Placa
Principi di Microbiologia Medica
Società Editrice Esculapio/EdiSES, 14a edizione (2014)

G.Antonelli, M.Clementi, G.Pozzi, G.M.Rossolini
Principi di Microbiologia Medica
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2a edizione (2012)

Teaching methods

Lecture

Laboratory with supporting tutors

Assessment methods

The examination aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives of the module. Students are required to achieve advanced knowledge in the field of microbiology, with particular reference to the biodiversity of microorganisms and viruses, the dynamics of infectious processes and the rational basis for the development of vaccines. In particular:

- Knowledge of the main groups of microorganisms and viruses, their genomic organization and their pathogenicity factors;

- Knowledge of the dynamics of infectious processes and interactions with the host;

- Knowledge of strategies for the design and development of vaccines;

- Ability to use molecular biology technologies for the production of recombinant proteins and viruses.

The test consists of an interview on the program of the course, and in the presentation and discussion of a report of the laboratory experiments. The vote, out of thirty, will be given by the average of the evaluation of the oral and the report presented.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint Presentations

Review articles on selected topics

Laboratory protocols

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Gallinella