Introduction

Immunology is the study of the cells and molecules that provide an effective and highly specific response to a wide array of foreign antigens. Knowledge of the mechanisms for coordination and regulation of the immune system is an exciting and rapidly advancing frontier with major implications for vaccine development and treatment of immune disorders. There are several diseases associated with disorders of the immune system. These include allergy, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency such as following HIV infection. Transplant rejection is also an example of an unwanted immune response.

Recent insight into the molecular basis for these disorders is leading the way to more effective and selective treatment.

Who Should Do This Course?

This course is ideal for a wide audience of professionals in the life sciences sector including academics, research scientists (Pharmaceutical Professionals, Biotechnologists, etc.) and healthcare workers (medical specialists, nurses, medical laboratory scientists). Participants should have at least diploma qualification or second year level achievement in life science undergraduate degree.

Aims

To provide greater understanding of the concepts of modern Immunology. You will gain:

1) Comprehensive knowledge of the immune physiology (the cells and soluble mediators, and their interactions in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues) in response to antigens

2) Knowledge about how the immune system, on one hand, is protective against infection and malignancy but, on the other, contributes to the pathology of allergies, autoimmunity and transplant destruction.

3) The skills necessary for a career in biomedical science

4) The unit will be lecture based, with reference to the current literature

Syllabus

Innate immunity (barriers, cells, tissues, molecules, chemicals & mechanisms)

Anatomy of the lymphatic system

Internal versus External weapons

Barriers: exemplars; skin, epithelial cells

Cells: Phagocytic, NK, Mast

Molecules, chemicals and their mechanisms applicable to innate immunity - Cytokines, complement

The inflammatory response

Acquired immunity

Antigens, antigenic determinant sites

Self, MHC

Antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, Ig classes

Basic Ig structure

Antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, Ig classes

Basic Ig structure

Basic Ig function (neutralise/ immobilise)

The immune cells (lymphocytes, APCs )

Cytokines (definitions/basic functions (eg. lymphokines, interleukins, monokines)

Cell Mediated Immunity (T cells and their actions)

Humoral Immunity (steps involved , mechanism of action of

Abs (eg. precipitation), role of compliment, primary & secondary responses, active & passive immunity

Duration

The course comprises 21 lectures with a duration of 2 hours each. A flexible delivery is offered depending on client requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Examine the anatomy of the lymphatic system (including the cells, areas of maturation and production, lymph nodes, tissues and vessels )

Demonstrate knowledge of the tissue barriers, cells, tissues, molecules, chemicals & mechanisms as they function in innate immunity

Compare and contrast the mechanisms and structures involved in innate and acquired immunity

Explore the mechanisms and steps involved in cell mediated and humoral immunity

Admission

You will need to have completed a Diploma in a life science discipline or at least first year undergraduate biology. You are also required to have English proficiency not less than IELTS5.0.

Course Content