Bacterial Pathogenesis

Course goals

Learning goals:
After completing the course the student:

1. Is able to explain the concepts of bacterial cell signaling including chemotaxis / motility, cell-cell signaling (quorum sensing, biofilms) in relation to pathogenesis
2. Is able to describe bacterial virulence strategies, such as LPS synthesis, bacterial PAMPs and expression of carbohydrate receptors
3. Is able to describe bacterial exploitation of host cell biology: mucosal cell entry, transcytosis, intracellular trafficking and survival
4. Is able to explain the role of (subsets of) bacterial microbiota with respect to (intestinal) health and disease
5. Knows the key players of host cell defense: innate receptors, innate effectors (neutrophils, complement, collectins, defensins, sIgA, mucus)
6. Is able to discuss cutting edge information about protein secretion systems, bacterial adhesion, immune evasion strategies and novel antibiotics, phage therapy and vaccine development
7. Is able to design, pitch and write a proposal for a 9-month research internship project, based on the formulated research question
8. Can contribute to scientific discussions with lecturers and with other students during interactive elements of the course

Content