Syllabus
The structure of the immune system: cells, lymphoid organs, lymphatic vessels
Ontogeny and phylogeny of immunity
Antigens, molecules recognizing antigens specifically, immunoglobulins, the generation of diversity of antibodies, T-cell antigen receptors
Major histocompatibility complex, immunogenetics
Antigen-antibody reaction, basic immunochemistry, principles of serology
Adaptive immunity, immunological memory, immunity to microbes; principles of vaccination
Antitumour immunity, mechanisms of graft rejection
Immunological tolerance
Innate immunity: phagocytosis, complement, inflammation.
Regulation in the immune system, co-operation of cells of immune system, cytokine network, the role of the immune system in homeostasis
Immunopathology: allergy and hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency, AIDS
Principles of immunological methods, their application in pharmacy
Immunoglobulins, molecules specifically recognizing antigen
Immunonological memory, principles of vaccines
Introduction in the laboratory methods like: testing of phagocytic activity, assays for estimation of complement activity, assessment of lysozyme and C-reactive protein, precipitation in gels, immunoelectrophoresis, basic serological tests, immunoenzymatic and immunofluorescence assays, MHC matching, flow cytometry
Annotation
Immunology is an integral part of a set of disciplines focused on understanding the biological nature of humans. The main aim of the course is to introduce students to the principles of the functioning of the immune system as a whole, with its role in homeostasis, both under physiological and pathological conditions.
The practical implications of immunological research are also emphasized, especially in the field of medical laboratory methodology and in the prevention and therapy of a number of diseases. As graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy have been successful in both clinical and experimental immunology, this discipline is conceived as one of the options for future professional employment.