Immunology I

Objectives

-Define and describe the principle features associated with the structure, development and function of the immune system
-Define the physical, cellular and molecular processes associated with the immune response.
-Define the key mechanisms used by the immune system as protection against pathogens.
-Define the key mechanisms of immunological ageing and immunoendocrine and neuroimmune crosstalk.
-Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in immunology concerning cell differentiation, activation and regulation.
-Collect, evaluate and integrate information drawn from a range of sources to generate written and oral outputs that highlight the importance of understanding the immune system

Program

Biology and Physiology of the Immune System
-History of Immunology
-Phylogenetic evolution of immunoinflammatory response
-Characterization of the structural basis of the Immune System
-Innate and Acquired Immunity
-Cells and tissues of immune system
-Immunogenetics
-Antigens, antibodies and cell receptors
-Antigen-antibody reaction
Cytokines
-Complement Activation
-Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity
-Cellular Conditioning - Th1/Th2/Th17 responses
-Mechanisms of regulation of the immune response
-Cell Activation
-Suppression and immune tolerance
-Immune Response to Biological Aggressors:
-Nutrition and immunoinflammatory System
-Immunoendocrinology
-Neuroimmunology
-Evolution of the immune system (from Child to the Elderly)

Teaching Methodologies

Lectures: These classes aim to stimulate students to acquire core competencies and the ability to solve problems and self-learning.
Practical Laboratorial: These classes aim to provide the knowledge and understanding in laboratory terms of the Immune System to develop and apply in practical cases .
Assessment:
Exam:85%
Problem solving report:5%
Synthesis work:5%
Fieldwork or laboratory work:5%

Bibliography

-Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 8th Edition - Abbas & Lichtman & Pillai. 2014.
-Fundamentos de Imunologia (2ª Edição) - Fernando A. Arosa, Francisco C. Pacheco, Elsa M. Cardoso - Editor: Lidel.2012.
-Kuby Immunology (7ª Edição) - Judy Owen, Jenni Punt, Sharon Stranford. 2012.
-Janeway's Immunobiology 8 with Case Studies in Immunology 6 - Kenneth Murphy, Raif Geha, Luigi Notarangelo. 2011.
-Roitt's Essential Immunology - Peter J. Delves, Seamus J. Martin, Dennis R. Burton, Ivan M. Roitt. 2011.