Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - MBB 448 D100

Cancer Immunology (3)

Class Number: 4713

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    (MBB 326 or HSCI 326) and MBB 322, both with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

How the immune system recognizes cancer cells and modulates tumour development, how many of the newest revolutionary cancer therapies work by harnessing the capacity of our own immune defenses. Students with credit for MBB 420 under the title "Cancer Immunology" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Recent advances in our knowledge of the immune system are leading to the development of revolutionary cancer treatments that exploit the protective capacities of our own immune defences. Understanding how immune cells interact with tumours, recognize cancer cells, and promote or prevent tumour growth is becoming an essential element of cancer biology. This course will explore the current scientific understanding and latest research in cancer immunology. Building upon these fundamental principles, we will examine various strategies to harness the immune system for therapeutic purposes. By reading, discussing, and presenting current primary literature, students will learn about recent advances in the field and their applications to cancer treatment. 

Topics include:

Fundamentals of cancer immunology

  • The biology of cancer
  • Immune surveillance and responses
  • History of cancer immunology
  • Tumor antigens
  • The tumour immune microenvironment
  • Oncomicrobes and the microbiome
  • Cancer immune evasion

Cancer immunotherapy

  • Therapeutic antibodies
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Adoptive cell therapies
  • CAR-T cells and genetic engineering
  • Cancer vaccines
  • Cytokine therapies and immune system modulators
  • Oncolytic viruses

Grading

  • Two exams (30% each) 60%
  • Assignments 35%
  • Class participation 5%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

This course will be based largely on primary literature and review articles.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Janeway's Immunology, 10th Ed., Murphy, Weaver, and Berg, W.W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 978-0393884876

The Biology of Cancer, 3rd Ed, Robert A. Weinberg, W.W. Norton
ISBN: 978-0393887655

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.