Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MBB 427 D100

Immune Responses in Health and Disease (3)

Class Number: 5130

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 25, 2026
    Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of MBB 326, HSCI 326, MBB 426 or HSCI 426, with a minimum grade of C, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Defects in the immunologic response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The mechanisms of action of vaccines. The causes of immune-mediated diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity reactions (including asthma and allergy) and organ transplant rejection. The reaction of the immune system to cancer and immunotherapy for cancer. Students with credit for HSCI 427 cannot take MBB 427 for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The immune system is a complex and delicately balanced system of many sub-systems, and its action has both good (maintaining health) and harmful (causing or contributing to disease) impacts.  The central philosophy of this course is to break apart the one-dimensional view of the immune system as a force of protection for the good of the host and to explore its dual roles in maintaining health and causing or being involved in disease.  The course explores how the immune system can cause and propagate cancer, how pathogens can subvert the immune system for their gain, and how it has co-evolved in a constant arms race with pathogens.

 

The material will start with the level of an introductory immunology textbook but will move into advanced topics covering historical and recent/current primary literature. The breadth of topics includes molecular and cellular immunology, structural biology and biochemical aspects of immune system molecules, and evolutionary immunology in divergent non-human species.

Grading

  • 3 exams (25% each) 75%
  • Team presentation 15%
  • Online quizzes 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Original research articles and review articles

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

The Immune System, 5th Ed., Parham, W.W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 9780393533354

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.