Graduate student presentations on selected research topics in molecular and cell biology. Several sections covering different topics offered each semester. Concurrent enrollment in more than one section is permitted. List of topics to be announced before each semester.

Mucosal surfaces are key sites of exchange between the body and the external environment. To facilitate exchange, mucosal surfaces are typically thin and permeable. This permeability, while necessary for physiological functions, renders mucosal surfaces susceptible to pathogen invasion. In addition, mucosal surfaces directly encounter environmental insults such as allergens, carcinogens, and toxins. Immune responses at mucosal sites must effectively eliminate threats while also maintaining barrier integrity and function of these delicate tissues. In addition, the mucosal immune system is responsible for coordinating responses to tissue injury and repair. Excessive or unbalanced mucosal immune responses can result in death from infections, such as is seen in acute COVID-19, allergy, autoimmunity, and other diseases. In this seminar we will explore mechanisms of mucosal immunity both at homeostasis, and during disease, with an emphasis on the role of CD4 T cells.

Repeat Rules