Cell Imaging & Microscopy
To equip students with knowledge on host immune interaction with infectious agents and how this can be used for disease diagnosis and control.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the various components of the immune system
- Describe host immune response to pathogens - bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
- To describe common disorders of the immune system
- Perform immunological techniques used in diagnosis of infectious diseases
- Discuss the principles of vaccines and vaccination
Content
Immunology overview (components of the immune system): cells, tissues and organs of the immune system.
Classification of Immunity: Natural (non-specific) immunity, Specific immunity. Ontogeny of immune cells (T and B cells). Antigenicity versus Immunogenicity. Antigen recognition by innate immunity (PAMPs & PRR interactions) and specific immunity, Antigen processing and presentation by APCs. Antibody structure, Antibody function, Secretory immune system. Cellular basis of immunity. Regulation of immune response. Tests for antibodies and cell mediated immunity. Complement. Immunological Tolerance. Autoimmunity. Principles of vaccination and vaccines. Immunity to: Fungi, Parasites, Viruses & Bacteria. Immunity to tumours. Parasite escape mechanisms. Hypersensitivity. Immunoassays: Principles and Applications. Major histocompatibility complex. Primary & secondary immunodeficiencies, Production of monoclonal antibodies and applications. Reproductive immunology. Practicals / seminars: Gel diffusion, Immuno electrophoresis, Agglutination. Complement tests. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, immune response evaluation techniques (ELISPOT, Cytokine release assay etc)
