Aims

The major goal of the program is to provide comprehensive training for the identification of antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases.

Main themes

Autoimmune serology is indispensable for both initial evaluation and monitoring
the course of patients with autoimmune diseases.

The first module addresses to the theoretical basis of autoimmunity and explores the basic mechanisms that might lead to a breakdown in tolerance and to autoimmune disease.

The second module looks at the interpretation of diagnostic tests in systemic autoimmune diseases. Diseases studied include rheumatoid arthritis SLE, Sjogren's syndrome, polymyositis scleroderma and vasculitis. Serological assays include rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), anti-Smith (Sm), anti-RNP, SSA, SSB, SCL70, Jo-1, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, MPO and PR3.

The third module focusses on organ-specific autoimmunity. Several diseases are then studied, looking at their immunodiagnosis. These diseases includes autoimmune skin blistering diseases, autoimmune liver diseases, Menière's disease and autoimmune gut disease.

The final module looks at recent innovations concerning the use of analyser to test for common autoantibodies.

Content and teaching methods

The course provides comprehensive training for individuals desirous of combining clinical diagnostic interpretation with current research technology in autoimmunity.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite is to have followed a basic course in immunology.

Other credits in programs