The course addresses the general structure and functionality of the immune system. The course will be completed with laboratory experiences for the learning of commonly used techniques in Immunology.
Course Prerequisites
Good knowledge of cytology, histology, anatomy, biochemistry and physiology are necessary for the study of Immunology.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, elaboration of individual projects to present to the class and laboratory experiences.
Assessment Methods
For students attending the course, the assessment of the content covered in the lectures is carried out through the assignment of three individual projects to be completed during the course, which are evaluated through in-class presentations. Each of the three projects is assigned a score of 6, 6, and 8 points, respectively (totaling 20 points), to which the laboratory component (10 points) is added. For non-attending students, the assessment is conducted through a written exam covering the lecture material (3 assays worth 5 points each and 10 multiple-choice questions worth 1 point each), complemented by exercises on the laboratory component (5 points).
Texts
Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman - Le basi dell’immunologia - Fisiopatologia del sistema immunitario. Elsiever. Elena Quaglino, Federica Cavallo, Guido Forni LE DIFESE IMMUNITARIE, PICCIN Peter Parham - Il sistema immunitario. Edises G.M. Pontieri - Elementi di Patologia generale. Piccin. Notes, handouts, website and material provided by the teachers.
Contents
Introduction to the immune system: complexity and conceptual framework, terminology, general properties and components. Safeguarding the integrity and individuality of the organism: innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity: cells and molecules. Adaptive immunity: cells and molecules. Immune response: characteristics of the immune reaction; antigens and antibodies; immune cells and lymphoid structures; humoral immunity and delayed-type (cell-mediated) immunity. The antigen–antibody reaction, precipitation, agglutination, and lysis reactions. Blood groups. Vaccines. Western blotting, Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry, Flow cytometry.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The course will be integrated with educational seminars
