General Pathology and Immunology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course focuses on the molecular and biotechnological aspects of general pathology and immunology
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire basic knowledge of the main molecular and cellular mechanisms representing the pathogenic basis of human pathology. The course includes a focused part on immunology and the role of immunomediated mechanisms of disease. Students will also acquire information on potentials and limitations of experimental models available. The journal club sessions will allow them to develop critical reading, presentation, and scientific data discussion abilities.
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
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
General pathology
Cellular and tissue responses to stress.
Processes of cell death: necrosis and apoptosis.
Degenerative processes of accumulation.
Biological and physical barriers of innate immunity.
Origin and function of cells of the innate immunity.
The endothelium and leukocyte recruitment.
Mechanisms of pathogen recognition: TLR structure and signalling properties.
Mechanisms of pathogen killing: phagocytosis and reactive oxygen intermediates.
Soluble mediators of innate immunity.
The complement system.
Chronic inflammation.
Tissue repair and granulation.
Fibrosis and sclerosis.
Pathogenesis and risk factors of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis: mechanisms of plaque generation and complications.
The coagulation cascade.
Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of bleeding disorders.
Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of thrombotic diseases.
Principles of immunology and immunopathology
Features of acquired immune response: specificity, memory, tolerance.
Primary and secondary lymphoid tissues.
Antigen-presenting cells.
Antigen processing and presentation.
Structure and function of major histocompatibility complex class I and II.
Intrathymic development: negative and positive selection.
Generation, structure and signal transduction of the TCR.
Differentiation, activation and maturation of cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes.
Differentiation, activation and maturation of B lymphocytes.
Generation, structure and signal transduction of the BCR.
Structure and biological properties of antibodies.
Failure mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance.
Congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies.
Hypersensitivity reactions (I, II, III and IV type).
Tolerance and rejection of organ transplants.
Program Principles of Oncology
Classification of tumors.
Tumor cell biology.
Cancer and cell cycle deregulation.
Chemical, physical and viral carcinogens..
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes involved in apoptosis.
Genes that maintain the integrity of the genome.
Epigenetic alterations in cancer.
Telomerase activity and erosion of telomeres.
Tumor microenvironment: extracellular matrix and angiogenesis.
Mechanism of invasion and metastasis.
Immunology of cancer.
Cellular and tissue responses to stress.
Processes of cell death: necrosis and apoptosis.
Degenerative processes of accumulation.
Biological and physical barriers of innate immunity.
Origin and function of cells of the innate immunity.
The endothelium and leukocyte recruitment.
Mechanisms of pathogen recognition: TLR structure and signalling properties.
Mechanisms of pathogen killing: phagocytosis and reactive oxygen intermediates.
Soluble mediators of innate immunity.
The complement system.
Chronic inflammation.
Tissue repair and granulation.
Fibrosis and sclerosis.
Pathogenesis and risk factors of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis: mechanisms of plaque generation and complications.
The coagulation cascade.
Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of bleeding disorders.
Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of thrombotic diseases.
Principles of immunology and immunopathology
Features of acquired immune response: specificity, memory, tolerance.
Primary and secondary lymphoid tissues.
Antigen-presenting cells.
Antigen processing and presentation.
Structure and function of major histocompatibility complex class I and II.
Intrathymic development: negative and positive selection.
Generation, structure and signal transduction of the TCR.
Differentiation, activation and maturation of cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes.
Differentiation, activation and maturation of B lymphocytes.
Generation, structure and signal transduction of the BCR.
Structure and biological properties of antibodies.
Failure mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance.
Congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies.
Hypersensitivity reactions (I, II, III and IV type).
Tolerance and rejection of organ transplants.
Program Principles of Oncology
Classification of tumors.
Tumor cell biology.
Cancer and cell cycle deregulation.
Chemical, physical and viral carcinogens..
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes involved in apoptosis.
Genes that maintain the integrity of the genome.
Epigenetic alterations in cancer.
Telomerase activity and erosion of telomeres.
Tumor microenvironment: extracellular matrix and angiogenesis.
Mechanism of invasion and metastasis.
Immunology of cancer.
Prerequisites for admission
Students must have fulfilled all the prerequisite requirements indicated in the study plan: General and cellular biology. Genetics.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons based on teaching material available on the Ariel platform or provided directly in the classroom to students.
Class attendance is free.
Class attendance is free.
Teaching Resources
Patologia generale, Pontieri, Piccin Editore
Le basi patologiche delle malattie, vol. I., Robbins, Cotran, Piccin Editore
Immunobiologia, Janeway, Travers, Walport, Shlomchik, Piccin Editore
Immunologia, infezione, immunità, Pier, Lyczak, Wetzler, Piccin Editor
Le basi patologiche delle malattie, vol. I., Robbins, Cotran, Piccin Editore
Immunobiologia, Janeway, Travers, Walport, Shlomchik, Piccin Editore
Immunologia, infezione, immunità, Pier, Lyczak, Wetzler, Piccin Editor
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam based on an oral test consisting of 2 questions on general pathology and immunology arguments, respectively, carried out by different teachers and with a mediated assessment. The basic knowledge of the discipline and the capacity for critical reasoning on the study carried out is assessed. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths.
MED/04 - EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 10
Informal teaching: 16 hours
Lessons: 72 hours
Lessons: 72 hours
Shifts: