Allergy and Asthma: Immunological Principles and Therapeutics
- HMX
Learn about the immunological principles of allergic diseases, including asthma, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis, and explore how these conditions can be treated and prevented.
- Online; Self-Paced
Enroll and gain access to course materials to complete at your own pace.
Certificate
Earn a short course ertificate of completion when you finish all coursework within 8 weeks.
3-4 Hours
Most people can expect to complete short courses in 3-4 hours.
On This Page
Overview
Allergic diseases are the most common type of immune disorder—they affect one in three people worldwide and can severely impact quality of life. Learning about these mechanisms is essential to understand how current treatments work and to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention.
In this HMX short course, you will learn from leading Harvard Medical School faculty about the immunological mechanisms underlying allergic diseases. This course provides a thorough exploration of the cells and effector molecules that drive the distinct phases of the allergic response, from the initial sensitization to allergens to the immediate- and late-phase reactions that are characteristic of allergic diseases.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the mechanisms that lead to the sensitization of individuals to allergens.
- Learn about type 2 immunity and the cellular and molecular players that elicit allergic reactions.
- Understand the pathophysiology of different allergic diseases and how they are treated.
About the Course
HMX short courses feature targeted lessons on the latest medical science topics and advancements. Stay up-to-date on essential knowledge by exploring specialized topics in a shorter format designed for busy professionals.
Who Should Apply
This course would benefit medical professionals who are interested in learning about new approaches to treating allergic conditions while refreshing their understanding of the immunological processes that lead to the development of allergies; biomedical researchers who are keen to understand the pathophysiology of specific allergic conditions and their treatment; and professionals in health care-related fields who are eager to learn about the recent developments in therapeutic interventions for allergies.
Course Format
Most people can expect to spend 3-4 hours total on an HMX short course. In order to be considered for a short course certificate of completion, you must complete your coursework within eight weeks.
Group Enrollments
HMX courses are ideal for organizations looking to train teams or larger groups. Group pricing is available, making it a cost-effective investment in team development.
Faculty

Carlos Donado
PhD
- Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School / Immunologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Immunology Curriculum Fellow, HMX
Ayobami Akenroye
MD, PhD
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Clinical Allergist and Immunologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Lora Bankova
MD
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Clinical Allergist and Immunologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Mariana Castells
MD, PhD
- Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Director of the Mastocytosis Center of Excellence, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Director of the Drug Hypersensitivity and Drug Desensitization Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Clinical Allergist and Immunologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Talal Chatila, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School / Denise and David Bunning Endowed Chair, Boston Children’s Hospital / Clinical Allergist and Immunologist, Boston Children’s Hospital
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