SYLLABUS (subject to change)

Instructor: James Lyons-Weiler, PhD

Email: jameslyonsweiler@ipak-edu.org

Course Start Date: WEDNESDAY, 3:30 PM ET - FIRST CLASS Jan 8, 2024

In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of autoimmunity and acquire a working knowledge of the systems biology, cellular and molecular biology and of disease pathophysiologies involved in autoimmunity.

This is equivalent to a 300-400 level college course. We'll have live Zoom class meetings w/Q&A and students can access the video lectures if they miss a class.

Prerequisites:: IPAK-EDU Biology of Immunology

COURSE/TOPIC OUTLINE

A. Immune System Overview

Week 1: Overview Lecture: Autoimmunity & The Human Immune System Overview

Week 2: IgE, Mast Cells, and Eosinophils – what are they and how do they work? What happens when they go wrong?

Week 3: Allergy vs Autoimmunity - What’s the Difference?

Week 4: Hypersensitivity – how allergies can trigger autoimmunity

Week 5: Loss of Immune Tolerance – how our bodies prevent autoimmunity

Week 6: Genetics & Environment in Autoimmunity – What role do genetics play in autoimmune disease? How does our environment affect us? How do G&E interact?

Week 7: Mold & Pathogens- How can mold & pathogens affect autoimmune diseases?

Week 8: Parasites and Autoimmunity

C. Our Microbiome & Autoimmunity

Week 9: The Microbiome & Autoimmunity - Exploring the relationship between the microbiome and autoimmune diseases

D. Diet, Food, & Autoimmunity

Week 10: Diet & Food - How do diet and food play a role in autoimmune disease?

E. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) & Macrophagic Myofasciitis (MMF)

Week 11: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Week 12: Macrophagic Myofasciitis (MMF)

F. Autoimmune Diseases of the Brain and CNS

Week 13: Autoimmunogical basis of neurodegenerative diseases

Week 14: Bipolar Disorder – immunological factors, causes, diagnosis

Week 15. Dementia – Role of autoimmune diseases in dementia development

Week 16: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD)– Role of autoimmune diseases in OCD development; treatment options for OCD patients with autoimmune disorders

Week 15: Cancer - Role of autoimmunity in cancer development; treatment options for cancer patients with autoimmune disorders

Week 16: Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerances – Diagnosis; long-term effects

Week 17: Chronic Pain - Role of autoimmunity in chronic pain development

Week 20: Endocrine Disorders– Role of autoimmune diseases in endocrine development

Week 22: Peripheral Neuropathy– Causes/Risk factors/Treatment overview as it relates to those suffering from an array of conditions including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS).

Week 23: Autoimmune Diseases of the Autonomic Nervous System

1. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

2. Neuromyotonia (Isaacs Syndrome)

3. Small Fiber Neuropathy

4. Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG)

5. Autoimmune Gastropathy

6. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

7. Autoimmune Cholangiopathy

Week 24 PANDAS and PANS (Pierre Kory)