Immunology
ΒΒ0402 | ECTS: 4
Theory: 3 hours/week | Tutorials: 3 hours/week
Tutoring in the English language is offered to Erasmus students
Learning Outcomes
Immunology is a fast-expanding scientific field that studies the structure and function of the immune system to maintain homeostasis and to successfully respond and eliminate and infectious and harmful agent and toxin. The aim of this module is to present the basic characteristics of the development and structure of the mammalian immune system and the immune response at different levels (molecular, cellular, histological) including research-based elements. The learning objectives are the following
- To know the organization of the immune system, the basic stages of hemopoiesis and the primary and secondary lymphoid tissues as well as the physical barriers of the body and their function.
- To get a deep understanding of the differences between innate and adaptive immunity, including the different cell types, their function and the mechanisms and pathways of their activation.
- To understand the interplay between immune cells and immune and other cells that leads to the maintenance of homeostasis in mucosa and for a successful immune response.
- To appreciate the importance of immune cell memory, as one of the most important factors for long term immunity and survival of species.
Syllabus
- Pathogens – Function of the immune system – Mucosa – Innate and adaptive immunity – Cellular and humoral immunity
- Hemopoiesis – Primary and secondary lymphoid organs – Description and function of all the immune cell types
- Receptors that are used by the immune system cells eg pathogen receptors, cytokine and chemokin receptors
- Innate immune cells: their receptors, signaling pathways, functions – Inflammation
- The complement: components, activation, functions
- B lymphocytes: development, B Cell Receptor and genetic recombination – B cell populations functions
- Antibodies: Structure, function, different types, how they are recognized and how they offer immunity
- Major Histocompatibility Complex: what it is, function, importance
- T lymphocytes : Development, T Cell Receptor, T cell populations/functions
- Natural barriers of the body: structure, cell types, function, examples of immune responses
- Immunological techniques relevant to research and clinical practise
Student Performance Evaluation
The performance of the students is evaluated through
Α) Αn individual written essay 1000-1500 words that is prerequisite for the written exams.
B) A 5min presentation of the written essay followed by 5 minutes of QA. Both A and B account for the 30% of the final grade
C) Written exam at the end of the semester (70%)
Suggested Bibliography
Kuby Immunology Covid-19 & Digital Update. S. A. Stranford, J. A. Owen, J. Punt, P. P. Jones, J. Kuby. ISBN: 1319440932, 9781319440930, Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education, 2022.
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturer
