The Immune system: molecular and cellular characteristics and functions. Pathogens and host pathogens interactions. Innate and adaptive immunity. Cells of the immune system and their functions. B and T cell development. Antigen-antibody response; TCR and MHC receptors. Primary and secondary responses. Antibody production and use in research, diagnostics and clinics. Vaccines. Immunopathology: hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases. Tumor immunotherapy. Transplants
All slides relative to the course will be availables for the students. Moreover the following textbooks will be recommended:
A.K. Abbas et al. Cellular and Molecular immunology ed Piccin; C.A. Janeway et al. Immunobiology ed. Piccin.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired: Introduction to innate and adaptive immunity. Cells of the Immune System: morphologic and phenotypic characterisation. B and T lymphocytes. Effectors of the Immune Response and relationship with the flogistic response. Introduction to hypersensitivity reactions. Immune system disorders: autoimmune diseases. Transplant and “graft versus host disease”. The manipulation of the immune system: the production of monoclonal antibodies and their biotechnological manipulation; the production of genetically modified mice in genes involved in the immu response; the biotechnological production of vaccines.
Competence acquired
Microscopic identification of cells of the immune system; learning about the main diagnostic analysis; practical approaches of immunology-based protocols; emoagglutination tests and determination of the ABO blood group. Methods for production and manipulation of monoclonal antibodies; methods for the production of genetically modified mice; methods for the production of recombinant vaccines.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Students will acquire theoretical and practical concepts regarding the immune response. Pratical experimetal protocols will be applied regarding the production of monoclonal antibodies, of recombinant vaccines, of genetically modified mice. Several experimental protocols will be performed during the course, regarding both the basic Immunology and and the mechanisms underlying immune disorders.
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Prerequisites
Courses to be used as requirements (required and/or recommended)
Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology
Courses required:
Courses recommmended
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 40 for theoric lessons, 16 for practical lessons
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: They will be defined during the course
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours):
They will be defined during the course
Contact hours for: Laboratory (hours):
They will be defined during the course
Contact hours for: Laboratory-field/practice (hours):
16 hours or more
Seminars (hours):
Seminars will be scheduled during the corse
Stages: 0
Intermediate examinations: 0
Further information
Office hours:
As requested
Type of Assessment
Exam modality:
written examination: 3 questions regarding immunology, a written report of the activities performed in the laboratory and an oral ppt presentation on a topic to be chosen individually in accordance with the teacher.
Course program
Innate and adaptive immunity. Cells of the immune system and their functions. B and T cell development. Antigen-antibody response; TCR and MHC receptors. Primary and secondary responses. Antibody production and use in research, diagnostics and clinics. Vaccines. Immunopathology: hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases. Tumor immunotherapy. Transplants.