OVERVIEW

Immunology studies the immune system,an integrated set of molecules/cells that operate in a coordinated manner to maintain the homeostasis of the organism and protect it from external agents(such microrganismi and their products,food,chemicals,drugs,pollens).The course will address the main changes in the immune system that affect the immune-mediated disease mechanisms.We will be introduced to the principles of immunological techniques for the application in quantitative and diagnostic analysis.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

The purpose is to educate the knowledge of the structural and molecular mechanisms responsible for immune recognition of the signs of infection and damage to the tissues; to know the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the major immune cell populations responsible for the various stages of immune responses to injury; to know the mechanisms of integration and regulation of the answers themselves and learn the signaling mechanisms and the main pathways of signal transduction; to learn the main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the alterations of the immune response.

The student will have to learn the methods of recognition and response operated by the different cell types of the human immune system and understand the relationships cause / effect at the base of the main alterations in the functioning of the immune system.
The course ultimately the goal of framing the principles of immunological techniques used in clinical research and diagnostic laboratories. 

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes 10 hours of lectures through the use of slides.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Features of the immune system
The primary and secondary lymphoid organs: Bone Marrow and Timo (structure and characteristics), spleen and lymph nodes, the Associated Lymphoid Tissue mucosa (MALT)
The immune cells: a) features and functions of  innate immunity cells (granulocytes, monocytes and macrophages, natural killer)  ; b)  features and functions of T and B lymphocytes
Innate Immune Response (natural) and specific (acquired): main features and phases of the immune response.
The complement (signs)
Hypothesis of clonal selection (signs).

Maturation of lymphocytes T and B.
The antigen receptor of T and B lymphocytes
Antigens: general characteristics and definition of epitope.
Antibodies: structure and function of antibodies, antibody classes.
The antigens of the major histocompatibility system class I and II (MHC): structure and function
Processing and presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes
Immune cell-mediated and humoral responses.
Activation and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes
Cytokines and chemokines: their role in the immune response
The immune response to pathogens
Antigen-antibody reaction ( precipitation, agglutination, hemagglutination, complement fixation, immunoenzymatic reactions, reactions radioimmunoassay, immunofluorescence)

IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
Hypersensitivity reactions: classification and general features.
Autoimmunity: organ-specific autoimmune diseases and systemic (signs)
Primary immunodeficiency diseases (signs).
Secondary or acquired immunodeficiencies: AIDS. (signs)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Le difese immunitarie di Guido Forni,Elena Quaglino,Federica Cavallo. Editore: PICCIN-NUOVA LIBRARIA

TOOLS IN SUPPORT OF TEACHING: Copy of slides projected in class

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DAMIANO COTTALASSO

DANIELA FENOGLIO

MARIA ADELAIDE PRONZATO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

march 2017

Class schedule

IMMUNOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The aim of the examination is to test the level of knowledge and depth of the topics covered in the course by a final oral examination. During the interview, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the meaning of the terms used in the immunological field, to understand the fundamental mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level of the immune system and its regulation; to learn the basics of immunological techniques. 

Exam schedule