Learning objectives
The course is proposed to supply to the students general concepts on cellular and molecular immunology, innate and acquired. Initially, general knowledge about the structural and functional characteristics of the various components of the immune system will be given. The, it will be given detailed explanations about the manner of operation by which the immune system recognizes antigens and responds to them. <br />
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The course includes a practical activity about the activity / functionality of the components of the immune system with lab exercises that allow students to acquire some of the simplest techniques and the most widely used in the field of immunology. <br />
It will be illustrated with some practical demonstrations some of the applications of antigen-antibody reaction in the field of biomedical research and laboratory medicine <br />
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Prerequisites
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Course unit content
General properties of the immune response: innate immunity (natural) and specific immunity (acquired) <br />
Primary and secondary lymphoid organs <br />
Barriers against infection. <br />
Immune system cells: mononuclear phagocytes, T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, dendritic cells <br />
Innate immunity. Phagocytosis. <br />
Antigens and antibodies: molecular structure of antibodies, the binding <br />
antigen-antibody, antibody functions <br />
General features of the maturation of B lymphocytes and expression of genes <br />
immunoglobulins <br />
General features of the maturation of T lymphocytes <br />
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) <br />
Activation of T lymphocytes <br />
Activation of B lymphocytes <br />
Humoral and cell-mediated immunity <br />
Regulation of immune responses <br />
Immunohematology: blood groups, blood transfusion
Full programme
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Bibliography
<p>One text chosen between the following :</p>
<p>T Doan. Le basi dell’immunologia. Zanichelli. <br />
Abbas. Immunologia cellulare e molecolare <br />
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Teaching methods
Frontal lesson with the use of supports audiovisual, argument in classroom with the students, supply of the audiovisual aids, talks with the student upon request. <br />
The final appraisal involves one oral verification according to the calendar of examination of the Course. <br />
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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