CODE 98805 ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026 CREDITS 5 cfu anno 2 MEDICAL-PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 10598 (LM-9) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR MED/04 LANGUAGE English TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 1° Semester MODULES Questo insegnamento è un modulo di: MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND ENDOCRINOLOGY TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Molecular Oncology Cancer represents a special type of pathology that can be potentially dangerous even when affecting only an individual cell. At a molecular (biochemical-interactions) level, fundamental cellular functions (proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, tissue architecture) are controlled by networks of signaling-proteins. Signaling-proteins networks decide when and in which way a cell will activate the above mentioned basic cellular functions. Special discrete sets of mutations / alterations, inheritable at the somatic level, from a parental to a daughter cell, can give origin to new progressively transformed cells, endowed with more permissive controls of these same functions. We want the student to learn the basic features of this pre-neoplastic and subsequently neoplastic transformation process. By about ten years, medicinal chemistry has started to discover selective inhibitors of altered signaling-proteins affected by excess of function (especially kinase inhibitors). We want the student to enter the world of possible selective corrections of altered pathways and altered signaling-network sub-regions. Molecular Immunology This course is aimed to provide a broad view of the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the antigen-specific immune response and in innate immunity. Examples of translational applications of this basic knowledge to biotechnology approaches of therapy and diagnosis in neoplastic and immune-mediated diseases will be discussed. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Overview of the tumor microenvironment and of its role in tumor progression and immune-escape. Role of natural and specific immunity and stromal cells, together with the molecular mechanisms involved in cell-to-cell and cell-matrix interactions and trans-endothelial cell migration. Targeting the TME for therapy . Mechanisms involved in B cell responses and generation of antibody diversity, as a prerequisite to an overview of monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives for cancer therapy. Knowledge of immune regulatory mechanisms in neoplastic diseases, including immune-checkpoints. Role of immune enhancing cytokines and cancer vaccines in tumor therapy. Genetic mechanisms of oncogenesis, innovative approaches of bioinformatic analysis of cancer datasets and the development of cancer targeted therapies. TEACHING METHODS Frontal classes. Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, should contact the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific teaching methods so that the learning aims and outcomes may be met. SYLLABUS/CONTENT Overview of the Tumor microenvironment (TME): role of different cells of natural and specific immunity and stromal cells Molecular mechanisms involved in cell-to-cell interaction Matrix components and cell-matrix molecular interaction Targeting the TME for therapy The molecular mechanisms of trans-endothelial migration and localization of immune cells Chromosomal translocation and neoplasia Resistance to chemotherapy or targeted therapy Antibody structure and function and generation of antibody variability B cell receptor structure and signaling The Ig class switch and affinity maturation From mouse to chimeric, humanized and human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) Whole mAbs for tumor targeting: role of the Fc region MAb derivatives: single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), Antibody/drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific T cell engagers (BITES) and Immunocytokines “Adoptive” cellular immunotherapy of cancer: from LAK cells and TILs to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies Preventive vs. therapeutic cancer vaccines Role of Tumor-associated antigens vs. neoantigens in cancer immunotherapy Immune checkpoints blockers (ICB) in cancer immunotherapy Combination of ICB immunotherapy with targeted therapy: the example of cutaneous melanoma Cancer causes Tumorigenesis models Mutation types and functions Mutational processes Molecularly targeted therapies Genetic bases of tumorigenesis Genome wide association studies and multigenetic scores Innovative methods and bioinformatics RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY Cancer Principles and Practice of Oncology, Primer of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Third edition, Vincent T. DeVita, Jr, Theodore S. Lawrence, and Steven A. Rosemberg, Editor; Wolters Kluver. Cellular and Molecular Immunology 10th Edition - February 19, 2021,Editor: Elsevier; Authors: Abul Abbas, Andrew Lichtman, Shiv Pillai eBook ISBN: 9780323757508, Paperback ISBN: 9780323757485 Review and original articles on the specific topics of molecular oncology and immunology. TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD SILVANO DOMENICO FERRINI ALESSANDRO POGGI ULRICH PFEFFER Exam Board MARICA ARVIGO (President) GUIDO FERLAZZO (President) DIEGO FERONE (President) SILVANO DOMENICO FERRINI ULRICH PFEFFER ALESSANDRO POGGI LESSONS LESSONS START October-November. Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION Oral final examination. ASSESSMENT METHODS Assessment will be carried out according to teaching calendar through an oral final exam (score out of thirty) that verifies the candidate's knowledge level. The evaluation of the final preparation will take into account the commitment shown during the all didactic activity period, the level of preparation, the use of proper language in relation to topics and presentation skills. Preparation will be valued at insufficient level if there will be gaps in one or more topics; the achievement of sufficiency will require a not fragmented knowledge of topics.
