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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the immune system, designed for both Bachelor's and Master's students. It covers fundamental concepts from the basic structure and function of the immune system to its role in defending the body against infections and diseases. Key topics include innate and adaptive immunity, immune cells and organs, antigen presentation, and the regulation of immune responses through cytokines and chemokines. Special emphasis is placed on immunological memory, vaccination, immunotherapy, and immune system malfunctions such as autoimmunity and hypersensitivity. The course is especially recommended for Bachelor students aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in Immunology.
Last update: Dobeš Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (17.09.2024)
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K. Murphy, Wever, C: Janeway's Immunobiology (Immunobiology: The Immune System (Janeway)), 9th Edition, Garland Science Publishing 2017, 924 pages, ISBN-13: 978-081534505
Last update: Dobeš Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (17.09.2024)
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The exam assesses the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the immune system. It takes the form of a written test with thirty questions. For 25 questions, students select all correct answers from a choice of four options, with any number of answers potentially being correct (multiple choice test). If you select all correct answers and only the correct ones, you will receive 5 points. If we agree on three answers, you receive 3 points, and for two correct answers, 1 point. Agreement on one or no answers is not scored. The remaining 5 questions are open-ended and are graded on a scale of 0–5 points based on the correctness of the answer. The test must be completed within a sixty-minute time limit. Grading of the written exam:
The December pre-exam session with limited capacity is conducted orally. Last update: Dobeš Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (17.09.2024)
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1. Immune System: A Bird’s-Eye View This lecture will provide an overview of the immune system, highlighting its importance in protecting the body from infections and diseases. We will introduce the basic distinction between innate immunity, the body’s first line of defense, and adaptive immunity, which offers more specialized and long-term protection. This session is designed as a teaser for the key topics we will explore throughout the semester, offering a snapshot of what’s to come, from immune cells and organs to complex processes like antigen presentation, immunological memory, and immunotherapy. 2. Cells and Organs of the Immune System This session will cover the development, classification, and functions of various immune cells. It will also explore the critical role that primary lymphoid organs, such as the bone marrow and thymus, play in the maturation of immune cells, and how secondary lymphoid organs, like the lymph nodes and spleen, contribute to their activation and function. 3. Innate Immunity: The Body's First Line of Defense This lecture will examine the mechanisms of innate immunity, focusing on how physical mucosal barriers (like the skin, gut or lungs), the activation of the complement system, and the function of phagocytic cells protect the body. We will also discuss pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and their role in detecting pathogens, as well as how inflammation is triggered and contributes to the immune response. 4. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and Antigen Presentation This session will focus on the structure and function of MHC class I and II molecules, explaining how they bind and present antigens to T cells as well as on the role of antigen presenting cells. We will explore the process of peptide loading, the mechanisms of antigen presentation, and the crucial role MHC plays in immune recognition, including its significance in transplantation. 5. Adaptive Immunity: T Cells and B cells functions This lecture will introduce the key players in adaptive immunity, focusing on how T cells and B cells recognize specific antigens through their unique receptors. We will discuss clonal selection and the polarization of T cells. We will tuch upon regulation of adaptive immune responses. Additionally, we will cover B cell functions, including the production of antibodies, the different classes of antibodies, and their roles in various immune reactions. 6. Cytokines and Chemokines: Orchestrating the Immune Response This session will explore immune cell communication and migration, focusing on the roles of cytokines and chemokines in regulating these processes. Additionally, we will cover inflammation regulation, and highlight key cytokine families and their receptors. 7. Fighting Infections: the main function of the immune system This lecture introduces the immune system's essential role in defending the body against infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal threats. We will explore the basic mechanisms the immune system employs and how various cell types work together to resolve infections. 8. Harnesing immunity 1: Immunological Memory and Vaccination This session will cover immunological memory formation, long-term protection, the role of memory cells, and the principles behind vaccination. 9. Harnesing immunity 2: Immunotherapy in Disease Treatment This session will explore the therapeutic manipulation of the immune system, focusing on immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies, as well as the challenges faced in the field. 10. When thinks go wrong: Immunopathology - Autoimmunity and Hypersensitivity This session will cover autoimmunity, where the immune system targets self-antigens, leading to autoimmune diseases, as well as hypersensitivity reactions, including allergies and anaphylaxis. Last update: Dobeš Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (17.09.2024)
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This course is not formally linked to any specific class, however, knowledge of cellular and molecular biology at the level of the courses Cell Biology (MB150P31) and Molecular Biology (MB140P41) is essential for understanding the topics discussed. Last update: Dobeš Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (17.09.2024)
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