Guardians of the Brain: Neuroimmunity, Disease, and Disorders
NEURO 101UU
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
The immune system plays a critical role in protecting and maintaining the brain, but these same responses can contribute to neurological disease when disrupted. This tutorial will explore the dynamic relationship between the immune and nervous systems, from the roles of microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral immune cells to the barriers that regulate immune access to the brain. We will examine how neuroimmune interactions shape development, infection, autoimmunity, aging, and neurodegeneration, including diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Through primary and clinical literature, students will investigate emerging discoveries in neuroimmunity and explore how immune pathways and cells can be targeted or engineered to develop new therapies for neurological disease.
Class Notes
Enrollment for this course will be via lottery with preference given to junior Neuroscience concentrators. Lottery instructions, deadlines, and a link to the google form can be found here: https://www.mcb.harvard.edu/undergraduate/neuroscience/neuro-courses/?course-button=tutorials. Only one Neuro 101 tutorial may count towards the Neuroscience concentration or secondary requirements.
Recommended Prep
Prerequisite (strictly enforced): Neuro/MCB 80
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
