7 ECTS credits
180 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4007951FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
Part Immunochemistry /molecular immunology (Prof. N. Devoogdt/G. Raes):
We give a detailed overview of the structural aspects and specific properties of various antibody formats. Specifically, we discuss the detailed composition of immunoglobulins and their modular structure, the folding of the Ig domain en the canonical antigen binding loop structures. The various kinetic and equilibrium binding parameters and their role is discussed.
We give an overview of the methods for generation and selection of antigen-specific antibodies and smaller antigen-binding fragments and of the possibilities to improve identified antibodies (in terms of affinity, stability, specificity, humanisation etc...).
We end the course by a discussion of camelid heavy chain antibodies and their derived single domain antigen binding fragments including their benefit in diagnostics, therapy and biotechnology
Part Vaccine technology (Prof. J. Van Ginderachter):
This part of the course provides an Introduction to the basic principles of vaccine technology. More specifically, this course will: (1) provide an overview of the existing vaccines and the types of infectious diseases kept under control by vaccination. This will include an insight in the type of immune response needed to prevent an infectious agent from causing illness. (2) provide a historic overview of vaccine development. (3) discuss vaccine requirements and classifications. (4) provide a deeper insight in biological working mechanisms of vaccines and adjuvants. (5) elaborate on the development of anti-tumor vaccines and anti-tumor immunotherapy. (6) discuss a case study, whereby insight into the roadmap for the development of a particular vaccine will be given.
Powerpoint presentation shown during classes is available on Canvas.
Complementary study material:
Part Immunochemistry:
Review articles in international journals.
Part Vaccine technology:
Recent articles in international peer-reveiwed journals.
Part Immunochemistry:
-The students are able to explain the most important structural properties of the variable and constant domains of immunoglobulins and the generation of an endless paratope repertoire;
-The students know the methods to generate and select antibodies and smaller antigen binding fragments and the employed techniques to generate humanised antibodies and to improve the affinity or stability of existing antibodies and are being able to explain how the techniques work, are able to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques and have insight in the parameters affecting the choice of the method.
-The students are aware what are single domain antibody fragments in camelids and what are their advantages and disadvantages.
Part Vaccine Technology:
- Students understand the basic components of a vaccine and are able to link these components to the functionality of a vaccine- Students are able to explain the relationship between the type of infectious agent and the type of immune response required to defend us against the pathogen. Linked with this, students should be able to discuss which type of vaccine is needed for which type of infection- The students are able to define the mechanisms of action of the most commonly used vaccines and adjuvants. The student can argue which type of adjuvant would be best suited for the development of a vaccine against a certain type of pathogen.- The students are able to explain the main problems of anti-tumor immunotherapy and to propose solutions- The students are able to define and describe the different steps in clinical trials.- The students understand the need and can describe the different development steps for the development of a vaccine in an industrial environment.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 80% of the final mark.
PRAC Lab Work determines 10% of the final mark.
PRAC Report determines 10% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Lab Work category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Report category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Part Immunochemistry:
Oral examination.
Part Vaccine technology:
Oral examination.
Example of an exam question: If you want to elicit a strong antobody response against a cancer cell surface antigen, which parameters are important to prepare a good vaccine (antigen dose, adjuvant,...)?
Marks for a partim on which the student has obtained more than half of the points will be transferred to the second session. It is not possible to waive partial grades.
All practical sessions are compulsory. Unjustified absence will result in a loss of 1 point on the end score of the course per day of absence. In case of longer, justified absence, an alternative assignment may be forseen for the student.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Medical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences