Immunologi, 7,5 hp

Understanding the immune system is the central objective of the course, and an important competence for a researcher, developer, or leader in the biomedical industry. Participants should learn to master the basics of immunology, understand immune disorders, and learn about potential applications (hybridoma technologies, new vaccines, immuno-modulating treatments etc).

Kursinnehåll

The course immunology intends to give an understanding of the parts and function of the immune system. The course also intends to give insight into different diseases and when the immune system malfunctions.

The course contains:

– Innate and adaptive immunity.

– Development of B-cells and T-cells.

– Clonal selection.

– Generation of diversity of T and B-cells.

– Antigen recognition of T lymphocytes and T-cell-mediated immunity.

– Humoral immunity (mediated by B cells and antibodies).

– MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

– Antibodies (structure and function)

– T-Cell receptors (structure and function)

– Cell communication.

– The complement system

– When the immune system has malfunctioned: Autoimmunity, allergy.

– The body defence against infection.

– What happens when the immune system malfunctions.

– Allergy and allergic diseases.

– Autoimmunity and transplantation.

– How one can manipulate the immune system.

Lärandemål

At the end of the course, the student shall be able to:

– Describe the cells and organs of the immune system

– Present the structure and function of key molecules of the immune system such as the immunoglobulins, the major histocompatibility complex, T cell receptors, cytokines and others

– Show detailed understanding of the innate and aquired immunity

– Discuss immunogenicity of different antigens, antigen recognition and antigen processing and presentation

– Explain major processes in immunology such as

o T-cell activation, maturation, and differentiation

o Generation of the humoral immune response

o Cell-mediated immunity

o The action and regulation of the complement system

– Show fundamental understanding of various disease conditions such as autoimmunity, allergy, hypersensitive reactions, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases

– Describe the basis for vaccination and the challenges of transplantation

– Combine the knowledge of each addressed principle and be able to reason and discuss how to design a vaccine.

– In theory design an experiment to produce monoclonal antibodies with desired specificity

Särskild behörighet

Kandidatexamen som innehåller minst 20 högskolepoäng (hp) inom biokemi, mikrobiologi och genetik/molekylärbiologi. 20 högskolepoäng (hp) kemi. Engelska B/engelska 6.

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