Module Details

Immunology I

MC024

Course
Immunology I
Code
MC024
Academic Year
2026/2027
Curriculum Year
2024/2025
Degree Programme
MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Curriculum
000 - CORSO GENERICO
Course coordinator
Lecturers
Credits
2
Lecture Hours
25
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
MED/04 - General Pathology
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
3
Teaching period
Primo Semestre
Campus
NOVARA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
-Cells and organs of the immune system.
-Antigens-Antibodies.
-Complement.
-Monoclonal antibodies and laboratory technique.
-TCR and MHC.
-Antigen presenting cells.
-B and T cell maturation.
-B and T cell functions
-B and T cell activation
-B and T cell memory
-Tolerance
-NK cells

Reference Texts
1) Dianzani-Pucillo, Immunologia e Immunopatologia. Edi Hermes, 2022
2) Coico, Immunologia in percorso breve, Edi.Ermes, 2018
3) Murphy, Immunobiologia di Janeway. Piccin, 2017
Learning Outcomes
To acquire knowledges on the immune system function at the level of innate and adaptive immunity. Students will acquire autonomous judgement, ability to communicate using adequate terminology, and capacity of continuous updating
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic cell biology and genetics
Teaching Methods
Frontal teaching with slides.
The slides are available, including slides with vocal comment. Interactivity is promoted by discussion of scientific articles and optional attendance at the Immunology laboratory
Additional Information
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilitiesStudents with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination assessing knowledge of the main principles and technical terminology of immunology
Detailed Syllabus
-Immune system. Innate and adaptive immunity.
-Cells of the immune system. Receptors and mediators of innate immunity.
-Organs of the immune system.
-Antigens-Antibodies. Structure and function of the antibodies and antibody isotypes. Features of B cell antigens. Aptens. BCR structure and signaling.
-Complement. Classic, alternative, lectinic pathway. Receptors and inhibitors.
-Monoclonal antibodies and laboratory techniques. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Immunofluorescence, Western blot, RIA, ELISA, immunodiffusion.
-TCR and MHC. Structure and function. The HLA system. Antigen presentation (endocytic, cytosolic, lipid pathways, cross-presentation). CD3, CD4, CD8, function and signaling.
-Antigen presenting cells. Cell types, function second signal. CD28, CTLA-4 and PD-1.
-B cell repertoire. Ig gene rearrangement. Antigen-independent and antigen-dependent maturation of B cells.
-T cell repertoire. Thymic maturation of conventional and regulatory T cells.
-Function of T helper, T cytotoxic and T regulatory cells
-Meccanismi di tolleranza immunitaria centrale e periferica
-Cellule NK: attivazione e funzione. Innate lymphoid cells
Expected Learning Outcomes
Molecular and cellular basis of the immune response, and lymphocyte development. Students must acquire autonomous judgement, ability to communicate using adequate terminology, and capacity of continuous updating
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31