English

Molecular virology, viral replication cycle, SARS-CoV-2. Interaction between bacterial and viral pathogens with animal cells and tissues. Quorum sensing. Antivirals and vaccines.

Scientific research articles and reviews provided by the lecturer

The objective of this course is to provide an overview of cellular microbiology applied to human health. Moreover, the course will give an overview of recent advances in development of antivirals and vaccines to prevent bacterial and viral diseases.

Knowledge acquired with a Bachelor degree in Biotechnology or in Biology, or equivalent academic degrees.

Frontal lessons and seminars

Verification of learning consist in an oral exam.

Supplementary material will be provided during the course. The lecturer will receive students during the office hours indicated or on request submitted via e-mail

FIRST PART
Molecular virology, viruses classification, methods in virology. Viral replication cycle, positive-strand RNA viruses, Coronaviridae and SARS-CoV-2. Host-virus interactions. Imaging of viruses, electron microscopy

SECOND PART
Cross-talk among microbial cells: quorum sensing in Gram+ and Gram-. Microbial pathogenesis:
development of multidrug resistance, efflux pumps in pathogenic mycobacteria.

THIRD PART
Development and discovery of therapeutics. Antivirals and monoclonal antibodies. Vaccines: correlate of protection, immune response to vaccine. History of vaccine development: inactivated and attenuated vaccines, glycoconjugate vaccines, reverse vaccinology, structural vaccinology. Novel technologies: vectored vaccines, mRNA vaccines, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.