Medicine and Surgery

Cells and tissues of the immune system. Innate immunity. Antigens and antibodies. Antigen recognition, TCR-BCR. The major histocompatibility complex, processing and presentation to T lymphocytes Cytokines. Hypersensitivity reactions. Autoimmunity. Transplants and transplant rejection. Immunoassays in the clinical laboratory.

The student must have acquired the preliminary knowledge, a good study methodology and adequate self-assessment skills.

Suggested textbook: Janeway's Immunobiology Piccin Molecular and cellular immunology. di Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, Shiv Pillai Editore: Edra Masson PPT files and literature provided by the teacher

Lectures in the classroom using visual means.

mandatory attendance

The oral exam is held with the other teaching teachers, the final grade is expressed in thirtieths.

Lectures in the classroom using visual means.

General aspects of the immune system: cellular and molecular participants to innate and adaptive immune responses. Cytokines and their receptors. Innate immunity: cellular and molecular components, cell differentiation, activation, and effector functions. The molecular basis of antigenicity, antigen receptors and the generation of diversity. The Major Histocompatibility Complex and antigen presentation. Maturation, activation and effector functions of B and T lymphocytes. Biology of T cell subsets: helper (Th), cytotoxic (CTL), and regulatory (T reg). Antibodies: molecular structure, effector functions, Fc receptors, the antigen/antibody reaction. The complement cascade: activation pathways and regulation. Natural Killer (NK) cells. Hematopoiesis, lymphoid organs, leukocyte migration and trafficking. Mucosal immunology. Development and regulation of immune responses. Immune responses against different classes of pathogens: viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, and mechanisms of pathogen evasion. Principles of vaccination. Immune responses against tumors and principles of immunotherapy. Type I hypersensitivity reactions (allergies). Type II hypersensitivity reactions and elements of immunohematology. Type III and type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity reactions. Mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance; autoimmune diseases. Transplantation immunology. Primary and acquired immunodeficiencies. The most common immunological techniques.

Students need to possess the knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, physiology, and anatomy.

- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 10th Edition (2023, Elsevier, also e-book) Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, & Shiv Pillai - Kuby Immunology, 8 Edition (2018, W.H. Freeman and Company) J. Owen, J. Punt, S. Stransford - Janeway’s Immunobiology, 9th Edition (2016, Garland Science, Taylor Francis Group, also e-book) Kenneth M. Murphy

classroom-taught lessons and practical (interactive) activities (small groups).

Mandatory

oral examination. The exam will ascertain student's ability to describe the main cellular and molecular mechanisms at the basis of protective and pathological immune responses

- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 10th Edition (2023, Elsevier, also e-book) Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, & Shiv Pillai - Kuby Immunology, 8 Edition (2018, W.H. Freeman and Company) J. Owen, J. Punt, S. Stransford - Janeway’s Immunobiology, 9th Edition (2016, Garland Science, Taylor Francis Group, also e-book) Kenneth M. Murphy

classroom-taught lessons and practical (interactive) activities (small groups).