Infection and Immunity--Why are We so Healthy?

Section 1: Morgan Hill, Mondays, January 26, February 2, 9 and 16 (four sessions) 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Fee: $60 This course is also offered at the Villages (Feb 23 - Mar 16)

When Jan 26, 2009
from 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Where Morgan Hill

The immune system is a double-edged sword.  Although it protects us from infectious disease, it can also be too powerful, harming us with allergies, autoimmune diseases and graft rejection.  The immune system uses a dynamic network of cells and molecules to recognize and eliminate invaders.

 

  • Week 1 – Introduction: Infection and how the immune system responds
  • Week 2 – Vaccines (e.g., smallpox, influenza, shingles, pneumovax)
  • Week 3 – Allergies and autoimmunity (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS)
  • Week 4 – Immunodeficiencies and transplantation


Optional text for background reading:   In Defense of Self: How the Immune System Really Works  by William R. Clark (2008), available in paperback.    

 

Linda D. Caren received her master’s and Ph.D. in the department of medical microbiology at Stanford University.  She is emeritus professor of biology, California State University, Northridge.  Some of the courses she has taught are immunology, medical microbiology, hematology, cell and tissue culture and genetics.  For the last few years she has taught “Principles in Immunology” at UCSC Extension.  In 2005 and 2008, she taught Infection and Immunity in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSC Extension. 

 

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