OVERVIEW

Immunology is the science that studies the immune system, an integrated set of molecules and cells that operate in a coordinated manner to maintain the homeostasis of the organism and protect it from external agents, such pathogens  and their products, food, chemicals, drugs, pollens and more. The course also will address the main changes in the immune system that affect the immune-mediated disease mechanisms.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student must have acquired the fundamental knowledge on the cellular and molecular bases of the innate and adaptive immune responses, on their dynamic integration and on the mechanisms of control of immune responses. Specifically, the student will be able to: describe the organization of the immune response to the different types of insults; the peculiarities of the different components of the immune system; the main pathophysiological mechanisms of immune-mediated diseases.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 10 hours of  lectures  in the classroom.  Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations. The attendance at lessons  is strongly recommended.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Characteristics of the immune system:

Primary and secondary lymphoid organs: bone marrow and thymus (structure and characteristics), spleen and lymph nodes, Mucosal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT).

Cells of the immune system: a) innate immune cells: granulocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, their characteristics and functions; b) adaptive immune cells: T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.

Innate (natural) and specific (acquired) immune response: main characteristics and phases of the immune response.

Complement system (notes).

The clonal selection hypothesis (notes).

Maturation of T and B lymphocytes.

The antigen receptor of T and B lymphocytes.

Antigens: general characteristics and epitope definition.

Antibodies: structure and function, antibody classes.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I and II antigens: structure and function.

Antigen processing and presentation to T lymphocytes.

Cell-mediated and humoral immune response.

Activation and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes.

Cytokines and chemokines: role in the immune response.

Immune response against pathogens.

Hypersensitivity reactions: classification and general characteristics.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

TOOLS IN SUPPORT OF TEACHING: All the slides used during the lectures and other teaching material will be available on AulaWeb at the end of  lessons in PDF format. 

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test and takes place in the presence of the Course teachers. The interview lasts about 25 minutes and focuses on the program carried out during the lectures. Through the discussion of various topics, the Commission verifies the achievement of the educational objectives envisaged by the teaching.
At the end of the interview, the teachers of the Commission formulate a final vote which derives from the overall judgment of the candidate.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to verify the achievement of the appropriate level of knowledge and in-depth study of the topics covered. In particular, during the interview, the student will have to demonstrate: to know the role and function of the cellular and molecular elements involved in the immune processes; to have acquired an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of response at the cellular and molecular level of the immune system and its regulation; to know the alterations of the immune system due to illness. During the interview the ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated.

Students with SLD or other regularly certified special educational needs will be able to agree on written or oral modalities with the teacher, by contacting the teachers at least 10 days before the exam. They can also take advantage of 30% additional time.

FURTHER INFORMATION

 Regular class attendance is strongly recommended.

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