Immunology and Immunopathology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course of Immunology and Immunopathology aims to provide fundamental knowledge about the components of the immune system, their functioning, the defense mechanisms against different pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites), the pathogenesis of immune diseases (hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies), and on the mechanisms underlying the rejection of transplants and the anti-tumor immune response. It also provides knowledge of the main immunological techniques used in research and diagnostics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able:
· to know and describe the organization and functioning of the immune system, its cells and its molecules,
· to know the fundamental stages of the immune system and its changes over the course of life (intrauterine life, newborn, adult, elderly),
· to examine immune defense mechanisms against infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and metazoa,
· to know the role of the immune system in transfusions, in the rejection of transplants and in neoplastic diseases,
· to examine the etiopathogenetic foundations of the main immunopathological conditions (allergies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies).
· to know the principles of diagnostic tests described on immunological techniques
· to know and describe the organization and functioning of the immune system, its cells and its molecules,
· to know the fundamental stages of the immune system and its changes over the course of life (intrauterine life, newborn, adult, elderly),
· to examine immune defense mechanisms against infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and metazoa,
· to know the role of the immune system in transfusions, in the rejection of transplants and in neoplastic diseases,
· to examine the etiopathogenetic foundations of the main immunopathological conditions (allergies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies).
· to know the principles of diagnostic tests described on immunological techniques
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
1. The general organization of the immune system
2. Innate and adaptive immune responsess
3. B and T lymphocyte receptors and antigen recognition
4. The molecules of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and the antigen presentation function
5. Antigen processing and presentation to T lymphocytes
6. The antigens
7. Activation of T helper lymphocytes
8. Activation of B lymphocytes and secretion of antibodies
9. Activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes
10. NK and NKT cells
11. The central and peripheral organs of the immune system
12. Immunological tolerance
13. The effect mechanisms of immune responses
a. The complement system
b. Cytokines
14. Immunity in anti-infectious defenses
15. Immunity and the problem of transplants
16. Immunity and the problem of cancer
17. Immunity as a cause of disease
a. Allergic reactions of an immediate type
b. Allergic reactions of delayed type
c. Autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases
d. Immunodeficiency syndromes
18. Examples of immunological techniques applied to medicine
a. The antigen-antibody reaction in vitro
b. The immunofluorescence technique
c. The production of monoclonal antibodies
2. Innate and adaptive immune responsess
3. B and T lymphocyte receptors and antigen recognition
4. The molecules of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and the antigen presentation function
5. Antigen processing and presentation to T lymphocytes
6. The antigens
7. Activation of T helper lymphocytes
8. Activation of B lymphocytes and secretion of antibodies
9. Activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes
10. NK and NKT cells
11. The central and peripheral organs of the immune system
12. Immunological tolerance
13. The effect mechanisms of immune responses
a. The complement system
b. Cytokines
14. Immunity in anti-infectious defenses
15. Immunity and the problem of transplants
16. Immunity and the problem of cancer
17. Immunity as a cause of disease
a. Allergic reactions of an immediate type
b. Allergic reactions of delayed type
c. Autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases
d. Immunodeficiency syndromes
18. Examples of immunological techniques applied to medicine
a. The antigen-antibody reaction in vitro
b. The immunofluorescence technique
c. The production of monoclonal antibodies
Prerequisites for admission
For the understanding of the course, notions of Anatomy, Histology, Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and elements of General Pathology and Microbiology are needed.
Teaching methods
The course consists of a single module, delivered in the form of lectures and exercises in small groups (4 exercises of 4 hours each) in the classroom and in the laboratory.
The teaching material relating to the lessons and exercises is made available to students through the Ariel website
The teaching material relating to the lessons and exercises is made available to students through the Ariel website
Teaching Resources
Immunologia cellulare e molecolare
A. K. Abbas and A. H. Lichtman
Elsevier Masson
Immunobiologia
Janeway
Kenneth Murphy
9a edizione
PICCIN
Immunologia e Immunopatologia
U. Dianzani, C.E.M. Pucillo
Edi-ermes
Immunologia
M. Roitt and P.J. Delves
10th Edition - Blackwell Science Ed.
Antonio Delfino Editore
A. K. Abbas and A. H. Lichtman
Elsevier Masson
Immunobiologia
Janeway
Kenneth Murphy
9a edizione
PICCIN
Immunologia e Immunopatologia
U. Dianzani, C.E.M. Pucillo
Edi-ermes
Immunologia
M. Roitt and P.J. Delves
10th Edition - Blackwell Science Ed.
Antonio Delfino Editore
Assessment methods and Criteria
- The learning verification method consists of a single written test
- The written test consists of 60 multiple choice questions
- 1 point is awarded for each correct answer. To pass the written test it is necessary to score at least 36/60 points.
The evaluation will be calculated using a curve based on the maximum number of correct answers achieved within each individual exam session
- The results are communicated directly to the student via e-mail sent by the online exam registration system
- The written test consists of 60 multiple choice questions
- 1 point is awarded for each correct answer. To pass the written test it is necessary to score at least 36/60 points.
The evaluation will be calculated using a curve based on the maximum number of correct answers achieved within each individual exam session
- The results are communicated directly to the student via e-mail sent by the online exam registration system
MED/04 - EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 5
Informal teaching: 16 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
: 4 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
: 4 hours
Professor:
Trabattoni Daria Lucia
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)