The course commenced with essential biosafety instructions and an introduction to molecular pathogen detection, with a focus on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Participants engaged in practical bench work, including semi-quantitative PCR for multiplex HR-HPV detection and diagnostic PCR analysis.
The second day introduced immunomonitoring techniques, covering the fundamentals of immunology, vaccine research, human studies, and specimen processing. The highlight was the practical ELISPOT assay, focusing on pathogen-specific T cells. This was complemented by journal club discussions on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.
Midweek, the focus shifted to multidimensional immunomonitoring, particularly the innate host response and T cell analysis. Practical ELISPOT experiments continued, alongside journal club discussions on influenza vaccines and mucosal immunity.
On Thursday, participants explored B cell and antibody responses using ELISA techniques, followed by expert lectures on virus-specific antibody monitoring and molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2-specific B cell responses. The session concluded with in-depth journal club discussions on HIV vaccine research.
The final day centered on flow cytometry, environmental pathogen monitoring, and immunomonitoring data analysis. A multiple-choice test and online Good Clinical Laboratory Practice training rounded out the course, ensuring participants left with both theoretical and applied expertise in vaccine research and immunomonitoring.
The course coordinators, Dr. Christof Geldmacher and Dr. Kathrin Held from the Research Group "Infection and Immunity" at the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, with their tireless team, ensured seamless lectures and practical sessions, along with engaging discussions at the journal club.
Source: CIH Newsletter January/February 2025
