Module Identifier BS23020  
Module Title IMMUNOLOGY  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Rodney J Turner  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Professor John Barrett  
Pre-Requisite BS12020 - Cell Structure, Metabolism and Function  
Course delivery Lecture   30 Hours  
  Practical   20 Hours (5 x 4 hours)  
Assessment Semester Exam   3 Hours One 3-hour theory exam   60%  
  Semester Assessment   2 Hours Practical Exercise: One 2-hour practical/interpretive exam   40%  
  Supplementary Assessment   3 Hours One 3-hour theory exam    
  Supplementary Assessment   2 Hours One 2-hour practical/interpretive exam    

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students should

Aims

To elucidate the molecular, cellular and organic
components of the immune system; the nature and causes of its malfunctions;
and the scope for intervention and exploitation.
NOTE: Practicals are an integral part of this module. They use cells and proteins
obtained from rabbit and sheep blood, chicken eggs and killed mice. Students who
object in principle to the use of animal tissues for teaching purposes are
advised not to take this module.

Content

Introduction (2) Immunological preoccupations. Variety of pathogens and their modes of attack. Defensive molecules, cells and tissues.
Humoral immunity (6) Antigens, antibodies and specificity. Immunoglobulin classes: structure, functions, distribution. Complement: pathways of activation, variety of functions. Generation of immunoglobulins by B cells. Antibody-mediated effector mechanisms.
Cell-mediated immunity (9) General characteristics of CMI. Killer T, helper T, gdT and NK cells. Antigen-presenting cells and CD molecules. Structure and physiology of the major histocompatibility complex. Cytokines, leucocyte migration and inflammation. Killing mechanisms.
Tolerance and suppression (1) Thymic education. Suppressor cells. B cell tolerance.
Reproductive immunology (3) Survival of sperm and the foetus. Lactation: immunoglobulins and leucocytes. Development and decline of the immune system.
Immunological models (3) Mutant, knockout and transgenic mice. Aquatic vertebrates. Invertebrate immunity.
The immune system as hero, villain and victim (6) Clinical aspects of transplantation. Graft-versus host disease. Vaccines: principles, practice and pitfalls. Immunoassays and passive immunization: principles, practice and pitfalls. Immune deficiencies, allergies, contact sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, immune complex diseases: outline causes and treatment. Neuroendocrine influences on the immune system.
Practicals:
1. Lysozyme assay; Ouchterlony tests; demonstration of Rocket, SRID and IEP.
2. Passive haemagglutination titration; demonstration of latex pregnancy test.
3. Estimation of complement CH50; complement fixation test.
4. NBT slide test for neutrophils.
5. Enumeration of rosette-forming cells.

Reading Lists

Books
Roitt, I. et al. (2000) Immunology. 5th. London: Mosby.