Animal models in immunology - MB151P99E
Title: Animal models in immunology
Czech title: Zvířecí modely v imunologii
Form of teaching: lecture
Guaranteed by: Department of Cell Biology (31-151)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Actual: from 2024
Duration in semesters: 1
Semester: summer
E-Credits: 3
Examination process: summer s.:oral
Hours per week, examination: summer s.:2/0, Ex [HT]
Capacity: 26
Maximum number of enrolled students: 26
Min. number of students: unlimited
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: English
Explanation: 2022 - Lectures will be held in person, Wednesday; 14:50 in the lecture room 312Moodle: https://dl2.cuni.cz/course/view.php?id=2184
Note: enabled for web enrollment
priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan
Guarantor: doc. RNDr. Magdaléna Krulová, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): doc. Meritxell Alberich Jorda, Ph.D.
MVDr. Jozef Janda, Ph.D.
RNDr. Iva Kolářová, Ph.D.
doc. RNDr. Magdaléna Krulová, Ph.D.
RNDr. Tomáš Macháček, Ph.D.
doc. RNDr. Michal Vinkler, Ph.D.
Opinion survey results   SS schedule   
Annotation -
Most of our current understading of the function of the immune system is derived from model organisms. Use of inbred laboratory mouse strains and the advancement of gene-manipulation techniques allowed dissecting the roles of individual genes and their products in immune functions under normal and pathologic conditions. Part of this course will focus on generation of mouse models and their use in imunology research and as models for human diseases. Another part of the course will be dedicated to naturally occurring or experimentally induced diseases of domestic animals, which could serve as models for human medicine. Advantages and disadvantages of large animal models versus mouse models will be discussed.
Last update: Krulová Magdaléna, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (18.03.2019)
Literature - 
Lectures will be accessible on Moodle. Part of the study will be the work with primary literary publications from the foreign literature.
Last update: Krulová Magdaléna, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (18.02.2019)
Course assessment methods and requirements for successful completion, grading scheme -

Students will respond in writing to a question related to the topics covered in the course. The exam will be a short test covering all lectures. The questions will be multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank. Tests will be administered at the beginning of the "Journal Club" section of the course. The three highest scores out of four will be counted. 

The second part of the exam will be a presentation of a scientific article summarizing the possibility of using an animal model to study an immunologically relevant topic.

Last update: Krulová Magdaléna, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (03.02.2026)
Syllabus -

1.  Introduction - Rodents vs. humans: differences between mouse and human immunology 

2. Immunologically relevant mouse models

3. Genetically humanized mice and variants of immunodeficient models for xenotransplantation

4. Large animal models for study of immune system

5. Small animal models for study of immune system

6. Animal models of  study of immune system after parasite infection


After each lecture students will answer the question concerning the lectured topic. Exam will be conducted in the form of journal club.  Students will discuss recent literature relavant to the studied topic. 

 

Last update: Krulová Magdaléna, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (31.05.2019)
Learning outcomes -

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe and explain immunologically relevant mouse models and their use in studying specific mechanisms of the immune response.

  2. Explain and compare humanized mouse models and different types of immunodeficient animal models, including their advantages, limitations, and applications in studying the human immune system.

  3. Explain the principles and approaches used for the generation of genetically modified animal models and their relevance for immunological research.

  4. Describe and interpret the use of animal models in hematology, with an emphasis on immune cell development, function, and pathology.

  5. Characterize large animal models used for immunological studies and assess their translational relevance compared to small animal models.

  6. Explain immune system mechanisms based on avian models and apply this knowledge to the interpretation and use of diverse animal models in immunological research.

  7. Describe and analyze animal models used to study immune responses to parasitic infections.

  8. Critically analyze and present a selected animal model based on a peer-reviewed scientific publication, including justification of its suitability for a specific immunological research question.

Last update: Krulová Magdaléna, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (08.01.2026)
The course does not include work placement