Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide the cellular knowledge underlying the correct functioning of immune responses and the main mechanisms responsible for the alteration of the immune system in diseases.

Kuby. Immunology by Richard A. Goldsby, Thomas J. Kindt, Barbara A. Osborne, 8th edition

The course aims to provide the basic principles that regulate the immune system. It basically consists of two parts: one that describes basic immunology and therefore allows the student to learn which are the cells and organs of the immune system, as well as the basic processes of pathogen recognition; a second part of immunopathology in which the main diseases originating from defects of the immune system are described.

The student must have the knowledge of the structure of the eukaryotic cell as well as some basic processes of cell biology such as DNA duplication, the splicing process, synthesis and degradation of proteins.

Presentations in MS-Power Point format. Video projector and computer with internet connection and videoconference provided in the classroom. The slides of the lectures will be made available on the teacher's DIR website.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and accommodations by contacting the Student Career Development and Support Office and consulting the dedicated University webpage:

https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa

After contacting the University Support Office, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN are encouraged to contact the course instructor to discuss any teaching-related aspects of the examination and to agree on appropriate examination arrangements in accordance with their approved accommodations.

The examination consists of a written test comprising 10 multiple-choice questions covering the entire course syllabus. To pass the examination, students must answer at least 5 questions correctly. Failure to achieve this minimum threshold will result in a failing grade, and the examination must be retaken in its entirety. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the three course modules (Microbiology, Immunology, and General Pathology). No supplementary or remedial oral examination is provided.

The immune system: innate and acquired immunity; cellular and humoral components; primary and secondary lymphatic organs. B lymphocytes and immunoglobulins: structure, gene recombination, isotypic switch. T lymphocytes and their receptor: gene structure and recombination; maturation and thymic selection. The major histocompatibility complex: antigen processing and presentation. Immunopathology: type I, II, III and IV hypersensitivity; autoimmune diseases; immunodeficiencies; the rejection of transplants.

According to the Dublin Descriptors:

D1 – Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the immune-mediated mechanisms underlying disease. They will develop the ability to use appropriate scientific terminology to describe immunological and pathological processes accurately.

D2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to disciplines requiring an understanding of the immune-mediated mechanisms involved in disease. These competencies will support their future activities in diagnostic and research laboratories.

D3 – Making Judgements

Students will develop the ability to critically and independently analyse the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological processes, applying scientific reasoning to the interpretation of immunopathological phenomena.

D4 – Communication Skills

Students will acquire the ability to communicate acquired knowledge using appropriate scientific and technical terminology. They will be able to discuss immunopathogenetic mechanisms in a professional and competent manner within academic and professional settings, as well as explain scientific concepts clearly and effectively to non-specialist audiences.

D5 – Learning Skills

Students will develop the ability to use the teaching materials provided for the critical and independent study of the topics covered during the course. They will also be able to update and expand their knowledge autonomously through the consultation of textbooks and scientific literature relevant to immunology and disease pathogenesis.