Dimitrios G. Kimoglou, PhD Scientist & Researcher
Psychoneuroimmunology & Autoimmune Disease
Psychoneuroimmunology & Autoimmune Disease
The Theory of Psycho-Immunological Shift
Theoretical Framework Notice
This course presents the Theory of Psycho-Immunological Shift developed by Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou, PhD. This framework integrates current research in psychoneuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, and autoimmune disease pathophysiology to examine the bidirectional communication between psychological stress and immune dysfunction.
Course Overview
This comprehensive course explores the intricate relationships between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, with particular emphasis on how psychological stress contributes to autoimmune disease pathogenesis. Students will examine molecular mechanisms, clinical applications, and therapeutic interventions at the intersection of mind-body medicine.
Brain-Immune System Interactions
Figure 1: Conceptual representation of psychoneuroimmunological pathways linking psychological stress to immune dysfunction
Prerequisites
Basic Immunology
Understanding of innate and adaptive immune responses, cellular immunology, and immunopathology.
Neurophysiology
Knowledge of nervous system organization, neurotransmission, and neuroendocrine regulation.
Biostatistics
Proficiency in statistical analysis methods for interpreting research data and clinical trials.
Course Instructor
Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou, PhD
Specialist in Psychoneuroimmunology
Dr. Kimoglou’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking psychological stress to autoimmune disease development, with emphasis on neuroendocrine-immune interactions and therapeutic interventions.
Collaborating Faculty
- Professor of Clinical Immunology – Immune system dysfunction and autoimmune disorders
- Professor of Neuroendocrinology – HPA axis and stress response mechanisms
- Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology – Trauma-focused therapies and psychosomatic medicine
- Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology – Epigenetic mechanisms and gene expression
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand molecular and cellular bases of mind-immune system interactions, including neuroendocrine pathways and cytokine signaling
- Analyze epidemiological and experimental data linking psychological stress to autoimmune disease development
- Critically evaluate scientific literature in psychoneuroimmunology using evidence-based medicine principles
- Apply diagnostic protocols for assessing psycho-immunological dysfunction in clinical settings
- Design research protocols for investigating psychosomatic phenomena and stress-immune interactions
- Integrate psychosocial interventions into therapeutic regimens for autoimmune disease management
Course Structure
HPA Axis & Stress Response Cascade
Figure 2: The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis showing CRH → ACTH → Cortisol cascade and feedback mechanisms
Unit I: Theoretical Foundations (Weeks 1-4)
Introduction to Psychoneuroimmunology
Theory Topics:
- Historical development of PNI as a discipline
- Neuroimmunological interactions and communication pathways
- Overview of autoimmune diseases (epidemiology, pathophysiology)
- Presentation of the Theory of Psycho-Immunological Shift
Laboratory: Analysis of epidemiological data from Song et al. (2018) JAMA study; Statistical analysis of Hazard Ratios; Introduction to SPSS/R
Assessment: Multiple choice quiz (10%)
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms
Theory Topics:
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis physiology and pathophysiology
- Cortisol regulation: circadian rhythms and stress responses
- Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine (LC-NE) system
- Sympathetic nervous system and immune modulation
Laboratory: Cortisol measurement techniques (ELISA demonstration); Clinical case analysis of HPA axis dysfunction
Assessment: Laboratory report (10%)
Immunological Foundations – Inflammation & Cytokines
Theory Topics:
- Acute vs. chronic inflammation mechanisms
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17)
- Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β)
- T-cell subpopulations: Th1, Th2, Th17, and Regulatory T cells (Tregs)
- Th17/Treg imbalance in autoimmunity
Laboratory: Flow cytometry analysis for Treg identification; Cytokine measurement using ELISA
Assessment: Data analysis assignment (10%)
Epigenetics & Molecular Mechanisms
Theory Topics:
- Epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation and histone acetylation
- Stress and epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1)
- Transgenerational trauma transmission
- NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways
Laboratory: Methylation analysis techniques; Gene expression analysis (qPCR)
Assessment: Critical analysis paper – “Epigenetic mechanisms linking childhood trauma to autoimmune disease” (15%)
T-Cell Differentiation & Immune Balance
Figure 3: Th17/Treg balance and its disruption in autoimmune pathogenesis
Unit II: Molecular & Cellular Bases (Weeks 5-8)
Neurotransmitters & Neuroinflammation
Theory Topics:
- Serotonin system: synthesis, receptors, and immunological roles
- GABA and glutamate: E/I imbalance
- Microglia: M1 vs. M2 polarization
- Chronic neuroinflammation and behavioral consequences
Laboratory: Neurotransmitter measurement (HPLC); Immunohistochemistry for microglial markers
Blood-Brain Barrier & Intestinal Barrier
Theory Topics:
- Blood-brain barrier (BBB) structure and stress-induced permeability
- Tight junction proteins and matrix metalloproteinases
- Intestinal barrier function and “leaky gut” syndrome
- Zonulin regulation and bacterial translocation
- Gut-brain-immune axis communication pathways
Laboratory: BBB permeability assay; Zonulin measurement
Assessment: Group presentation on barrier dysfunction (15%)
Microbiome & Dysbiosis
Theory Topics:
- Gut microbiome composition and diversity
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and immune regulation
- Dysbiosis characteristics in autoimmune diseases
- Molecular mimicry and bystander activation
Laboratory: 16S rRNA sequencing analysis; SCFA measurement (GC-MS)
Assessment: Microbiome data analysis project (15%)
Midterm Examination
Exam Structure: Multiple choice (30%), Short answers (20%), Essays (30%), Case study analysis (20%)
Laboratory: Integrated experimental demonstration and feedback session
Assessment: Midterm Exam (20%)
Gut-Brain-Immune Axis
Figure 4: Bidirectional communication pathways between the gut microbiome, nervous system, and immune system
Unit III: Clinical Applications (Weeks 9-11)
Diagnostic Tools & Biomarkers
Theory Topics:
- Psychometric instruments: PSS-10, CTQ, ACEs questionnaire
- Neuroendocrine biomarkers: cortisol, DHEA-S, CAR
- Inflammatory biomarkers: hs-CRP, cytokine panels
- Flow cytometry: Treg/Th17 analysis
- Neuroimaging: structural and functional MRI, PET imaging
Laboratory: Comprehensive case workup with patient presentation and lab interpretation
Assessment: Case presentation and written report (10%)
Therapeutic Interventions – Part I
Theory Topics:
- Conventional immunosuppression and biologics
- Adjunctive therapies: SSRIs, low-dose naltrexone, N-acetylcysteine
- Trauma-focused psychotherapies: EMDR, CBT, ACT
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Yoga and mind-body interventions
Laboratory: MBSR practice session; Motivational interviewing role-play
Assessment: Reflective essay on mind-body practice (10%)
Therapeutic Interventions – Part II
Theory Topics:
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids
- Microbiome-targeted therapies: probiotics, prebiotics, FMT
- Lifestyle interventions: exercise and sleep hygiene
- Emerging therapies: vagus nerve stimulation, neurofeedback, psychedelics
Laboratory: Dietary assessment; Case-based treatment plan development
Assessment: Comprehensive treatment plan (15%)
Unit IV: Research & Future Directions (Weeks 12-13)
Research Design
Theory Topics:
- Study designs: cross-sectional, cohort, RCTs, mechanistic studies
- Biomarker selection and validation criteria
- Multi-biomarker panels and machine learning
- Ethical considerations: informed consent, vulnerable populations, data privacy
Laboratory: Research proposal development; Sample size calculation using G*Power
Assessment: Research proposal (20%)
Future Perspectives
Guest Speakers:
- Professor of Rheumatology: “Integrating psychosocial factors in autoimmune disease management”
- Microbiome Researcher: “Next-generation therapeutics: Engineering the microbiome”
- Neuroscientist: “Brain-immune interactions: From bench to bedside”
Laboratory: Student research proposal presentations with peer feedback
Assessment: Presentation quality (10%) + Peer evaluation (5%)
Assessment & Grading
Student performance will be evaluated through multiple modalities to ensure comprehensive understanding of theoretical concepts and practical skills.
Note: Total exceeds 100% to provide opportunities for extra credit. Final grade calculated on normalized 100-point scale.
Required Textbooks
📚 Essential Reading
- Ader, R., Cohen, N., & Felten, D. (2007). Psychoneuroimmunology (4th ed.). Academic Press.
- Abbas, A.K., Lichtman, A.H., & Pillai, S. (2021). Cellular and Molecular Immunology (10th ed.). Elsevier.
- van der Kolk, B.A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Penguin Books.
Key Scientific Journals
- Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Journal of Clinical Investigation
- Nature Reviews Immunology
Additional Resources
Software & Tools
- SPSS / R (statistical analysis)
- FlowJo (flow cytometry)
- ImageJ / Fiji (imaging)
- QIIME2 (microbiome analysis)
- G*Power (sample size calculation)
Online Databases
- PubMed / MEDLINE
- Google Scholar
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- PNIRS (PsychoNeuroImmunology Research Society)
Course Policies
Attendance
Laboratory attendance is mandatory (minimum 80% required). Lecture attendance is strongly encouraged for academic success.
Academic Integrity
This course maintains a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. All written assignments will be screened using Turnitin. Academic misconduct will result in disciplinary action in accordance with university policies.
Late Submissions
Assignments submitted after the deadline will incur a 10% penalty per day. Extensions may be granted for documented medical emergencies or extenuating circumstances.
Accessibility
Accommodations are available through the university’s Disability Services office. Students requiring accommodations should contact the instructor during the first week of class.
Learning Outcomes Mapping
| Learning Objective | Teaching Method | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Understand molecular mechanisms | Lectures, Laboratory exercises | Midterm, Final Exam |
| Analyze epidemiological data | Laboratory exercises, Statistical analysis | Lab Reports, Quizzes |
| Evaluate scientific literature | Lectures, Journal club discussions | Critical Analysis Paper |
| Apply diagnostic protocols | Case-based learning | Treatment Plan, Final Exam |
| Design research protocols | Workshop, Group work | Research Proposal |
| Integrate therapeutic interventions | Lectures, Role-play | Treatment Plan, Presentation |
Licensing & Usage Terms
✓ Open Educational Resource (OER)
This course curriculum is provided as an Open Educational Resource and may be freely utilized by accredited academic institutions for non-commercial educational purposes. Universities are authorized to adapt the content to their institutional requirements while maintaining attribution to the original author and theoretical framework.
Permitted Uses:
- Integration into official university curricula for undergraduate and graduate programs
- Adaptation and modification of course structure to accommodate institutional standards
- Distribution of course materials to enrolled students without charge
- Translation of content into other languages for international educational access
- Use in continuing medical education (CME) and professional development programs
Attribution Requirements:
- Credit must be given to Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou as the original course developer
- Reference to the Theory of Psycho-Immunological Shift must be maintained
- Any published adaptations should cite the original curriculum source
Restrictions:
Commercial use, resale, or monetization of this curriculum is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission. The educational materials may not be used for profit-generating activities or proprietary training programs outside of accredited academic institutions.
For Partnership Inquiries: Academic institutions interested in implementing this curriculum or establishing research collaborations should contact Dr. Kimoglou directly at academic@kimoglou.com
Educational Impact & Reach
Vision for Global Health Education
Our long-term vision is to establish psychoneuroimmunology as a core component of medical and health sciences education worldwide. By providing this curriculum freely to academic institutions, we hope to:
Increase awareness of the bidirectional relationship between mental health and immune function among healthcare professionals
Promote integrative approaches to autoimmune disease treatment that address both biological and psychological factors
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between neuroscience, immunology, psychology, and clinical medicine departments
Generate new research questions and hypotheses that can be investigated through multi-institutional collaborations
Academic Partnership Protocol: Braventon Institute & Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou
The collaboration between the Braventon Institute and Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou represents a strategic alliance for the transfer of high-level, specialized scientific expertise. This partnership model is meticulously designed to provide academic institutions with a turn-key, evidence-based educational structure, minimizing administrative overhead while maximizing research prestige.
1. Knowledge Transfer Methodology (Asynchronous Delivery)
The educational process is implemented through the provision of comprehensive digital assets, delivered asynchronously. Eschewing the need for live streaming constraints, the Institute offers a rigorously structured framework that includes:
- Complete Course Dossier: Detailed lecture transcripts, high-level presentations, and scientific resources based on the latest peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Kimoglou.
- Digital Laboratory Archive: Methodological protocols and research blueprints for student practical exercises, tailored to the modern requirements of Psychoneuroimmunology.
- Standardized Assessment System: A robust test bank consisting of multi-level examination questions, assignments, and self-assessment tools to ensure academic rigor and student proficiency.
2. Scientific Stewardship & Faculty Integration
While the Institute provides the intellectual “blueprint” and core content, the partner University maintains its instructional autonomy.
- Flow Oversight: Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou and the Institute’s scientific board oversee the program’s continuity and updates, ensuring the curriculum remains at the global frontier of neuroscientific research.
- Faculty Empowerment: Professors at the partner University are authorized to facilitate and deliver the material, acting as the primary academic mentors for their students, supported by our comprehensive “Instructor’s Guidelines.”
3. Operational Integration & Platform Functionality
Access to the curriculum is fully digitized and can be deployed via two primary modalities, depending on the University’s infrastructure:
- Institutional Integration: The University may download the digital content and tools for direct integration into its official Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas.
- Cloud-Based Hosting: The course can be managed directly through the Institute’s proprietary application/portal, providing a dedicated, secure digital environment for each collaborating institution.
4. Scientific Validity & Academic Impact
The Braventon Institute provides more than just content; it delivers a comprehensive Modus Operandi. From the initial inquiry phase to the final examination structure, every element carries the scientific signature and research guarantee of Dr. Dimitrios G. Kimoglou, providing the partner University with a significant competitive advantage in the emerging field of Advanced Neuroimmunology.