Degree | Type | Year |
---|---|---|
Biomedical Sciences | OB | 2 |
You can view this information at the end of this document.
To enroll in this subject, students must have obtained the basic knowledge of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology of the subjects that have completed the first year of the Degree
Objectives of the subject:
At the end of the course, students will have to:
Course Contents
Block I. Basic Immunology (2 ECTS)
Block II. Organization of the Immune Response (2.5 ECTS)
Block III. Introduction to Immunopathology (0.5 ECTS)
Block IV. Applications of Immunology (1 ECTS)
Block I. Basic Immunology: Elements of the Immune System
Introduction: Overview of the Immune System
TOPIC 1. Basic Concepts of the Immune System. Brief introduction to the course: description of the syllabus, recommended bibliography, study tips, evaluation. What is Immunology?
TOPIC 2. Components and Actions of the Immune Response. Elements of the immune system: organs, cells, and molecules. Definition of innate or natural immunity and acquired or adaptive immunity. Concept of immune response: humoral and cellular responses. Concept of antigenic clonality.
Innate Immunity
TOPIC 3. Innate Immunity: Immediate and Induced. Definition. Natural resistance mechanisms. External defense system, physical and chemical barriers. Danger signals. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Cells of innate immunity: phagocytes.
TOPIC 4. The Complement System. Definition. Enzymatic cascade activation system. Nomenclature. Hydrolysis products. Pathways of complement activation: classical pathway, alternative pathway, and lectin pathway. Regulation of the complement system. Biological activity.
TOPIC 5. Cells of the Innate Immune Response. Phagocytes: neutrophils and macrophages. Effector mechanisms: respiratory burst and phagocytosis. Other effector cells: basophils and eosinophils, mast cells. Inflammatory focus. Introduction to the knowledge of NK cells and innate lymphoid cells.
Adaptive Immunity - Specific Antigen Receptors and Antigen Recognition
TOPIC 6. B Cell Antigen Receptor (BCR): Structure of Immunoglobulins. Light chains (VL-CL) and heavy chains (VH-CH). Antigen binding site, hinge region, biological activity of the Fc region. Variable (V) and constant (C) domains. Variable domains: hypervariable region (CDRs). Isotypes: classes and subclasses of Igs. BCR as a membrane antigen receptor.
TOPIC 7. Reorganization of Immunoglobulin Genes. Genes encoding light (L) and heavy (H) chains. Recombination of variable region gene segments: V-D-J in the heavy chain (H); V-J in the light chain (L). Mechanism of somatic recombination. Generation of immunoglobulin repertoire diversity.
TOPIC 8. T Cell Antigen Receptor (TCR): Structure and Genetics. T Cell Receptor (TCR): structural characteristics, gene organization. CD3 complex: TCR signaling complex. Trimolecular interaction TCR/MHC/antigen. Epitopes recognized by TCR.
TOPIC 9. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): Synthesis, Structure, and Function of MHC. Definition of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): class I and class II. Structural characteristics. Function of MHC. Proteins encoded in the MHC. Characteristics of antigenic peptides that bind to class I and class II MHC molecules. Polymorphism and peptide binding. Antigen processing and biosynthesis of class I and class II MHC molecules.
TOPIC 10. Genetics of the Major Histocompatibility Complex. Genetic organization of the MHC (HLA in humans). Location in the genome. Description of the class I region. "Classical" class I loci: HLA-A, B, C. Characteristics of class I genes. Description of the class II region: HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DR. HLA-DM. Description of the class III region. Properties of the MHC: polymorphism, polygeny, and codominance. HLA and disease.
Cells of the Adaptive Immune System
TOPIC 11. Antigen-Presenting Cells: Dendritic Cells. Hematopoiesis and generation of cellular subtypes. Macrophages as APCs. Activation pathways. Macrophage subtypes. Dendritic Cells: professional APCs. Types of dendritic cells: conventional and plasmacytoid.
TOPIC 12. T Lymphocytes: Thymic Selection and T Lymphocyte Subpopulations. Ontogeny and maturation of T lymphocytes. Thymic selection: positive selection and negative selection. Essential properties: MHC restriction and self-tolerance. T lymphocyte populations: TCR. Functional subpopulations: helper T cells (Th), cytotoxic T cells (Tc), regulatory T lymphocytes, and NKT cells. Memory T lymphocytes.
TOPIC 13. B Lymphocytes: Bone Marrow Selection and B Lymphocyte Subpopulations. Ontogeny and maturation of B lymphocytes. Types of lymphocytes. Phenotypic and functional differences of lymphocytes. Effector function of B lymphocytes: antibody production and antigen presentation (APC). B lymphocyte subpopulations: B-1 and B-2 lymphocytes.
TOPIC 14. Cytokines and Chemokines. Cytokines: definition, general characteristics, and function. Families of cytokine receptors: structure and function. Chemokines: structure and function. Types of cytokine and chemokine receptors.
TOPIC 15. Lymphocyte Recirculation. Homing Concept. Costimulatory molecules. Adhesion molecules. Lymphocyte recirculation through the lymphatic and blood circulation. Leukocyte trafficking: rolling, activation, adhesion, and transvasation. Involved molecular families: selectins, molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily, and integrins. Definition of the lymphocyte homing concept in lymphoid organs.
Block II. Organization of the Immune Response
Organization of the Immune Response
TOPIC 16. Organization of Immune System Organs. Description of the structure of primary lymphoid organs. Classification of secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs): lymph nodes, spleen, MALT. Anatomical and functional characteristics of the different morphological areas of SLOs.
TOPIC 17. Cellular Immune Response. Activation of T cells: first, second, and third signals. Role of CD4 and CD8 coreceptors. Description of the signaling pathway and activation of transcription factors NFkB, NFAT, and AP-1. Definition of the immunological synapse. Types of effector T cells and lineage transcription factors. Effector mechanisms of helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells.
TOPIC 18. Humoral Immune Response. T-dependent and T-independent antigens. Activation of B lymphocytes: first and second signals. T-B collaboration. Germinal center generation. Follicular helper T lymphocytes. B response maturation: somatic hypermutation, affinity maturation, and isotype switching. Effector role of immunoglobulins. Memory B lymphocytes.
TOPIC 19. Regulation of the Immune Response. Definition of peripheral tolerance and comparison with central tolerance mechanisms. Main regulatory mechanisms of the immune response: second signals, apoptosis induction mechanisms, regulatory cytokines, inhibitory receptors (ITIM motifs). Regulatory Tregs and Bregs lymphocytes. Immune response against pathogens and evasion mechanisms.
TOPIC 20. Immune Response Against Bacteria. Bacterial entry pathways. Role of conventional dendritic cells. Effector immune response against extracellular and intracellular bacteria. Evasion mechanisms.
TOPIC 21. Immune Response Against Fungi and Parasites. Characteristics of fungal infections. Elements directing the effector immune response against fungi, helminths, and protozoa. Evasion mechanisms.
TOPIC 22. Immune Response Against Viruses. Characteristics of viral infections: cellular tropism. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Immune response against viruses. Evasion mechanisms.
Block III. Introduction to Immunopathology
TOPIC 23. Hypersensitivity. Definition, mechanisms of hypersensitivity types I, II, III, and IV. Examples of diseases associated with hypersensitivity reactions.
TOPIC 24. Autoimmunity. Definition, mechanisms related to the breakdown of tolerance and the development of systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Examples.
TOPIC 25. Immunodeficiencies. Definition. Congenital and secondary immunodeficiencies. Classification and diseases according to different severity levels.
TOPIC 26. Vaccines. Immunotherapy.Methods of intervention on the immune response. Passive immunization. Non-specific active immunization. Vaccines: definition and importance in public health. Introduction to immunotherapy.
Block IV. Experimental Application of Immunology
Experimental Techniques Related to Immunology and Their Application
Antigen-antibody reaction. Design of primary and secondary antibody labeling. Tissue section staining by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF). Staining of cell suspensions and analysis by flow cytometry. Description of experimental techniques to define T cell functionality. Cytokine determination: ELISA in plate, ELISpot, intracellular staining. Proliferation and cytotoxicity assays. Determination of monoclonal expansions: CDR3 sequencing.
Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|
Type: Directed | |||
Lectures | 29 | 1.16 | 2, 23, 24, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 |
Seminars and problem based learning | 14 | 0.56 | 25 |
Type: Autonomous | |||
Autonomous study | 57 | 2.28 | 23 |
Interpretation of experimental data | 15 | 0.6 | 23, 8, 25 |
Preparation of work in cooperative learning format | 25 | 1 | 8, 17, 25 |
The program topics will teach 29 theoretical teaching sessions.
Classroom practices (PAUL) two activities will be carried out to reinforce the theoretical contents and provide tools to understand the scientific articles related to the subject. Transversal skills such as searching for bibliography, presenting in public, and writing a document following the scientific method will also be worked on.
The contents of block IV “Experimental Application of Immunology” will be carried out in PAUL sessions in which the most used experimental techniques in immunology will be explained and experiments will be presented to discuss in class.
The cooperative learning work is scheduled throughout the course and will be carried out in groups of 3 or 4 students. Information about each activity and the application guidelines will be stored on the UAB Virtual Campus (Moodle). Students may raise their questions during tutoring sessions with the instructor. Specifically, the proposed activities will consist of:
Answering a short-answer questionnaire on the immunology techniques covered in class.
Problem-based learning: a theoretical presentation of a scientific article related to the topics covered in the lectures, with strong emphasis on the writing of the objectives, the materials and methods used by the article’s authors, and the results obtained.
Project-based learning: design of a research project.
In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed as part of the development of the work, provided that the final result reflects a significant contribution by the student in terms of personal analysis and reflection. The student must clearly identify which parts have been generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency in the use of AI will be considered academic dishonesty and may result in a grade penalty for the activity, or more serious sanctions in severe cases.
Note: 15 minutes of one class session will be reserved, according to the schedule established by the school/degree program, for students to complete the evaluations of the teaching staff and the subject/module
.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cooperative learning (group work) | 30% | 2 | 0.08 | 1, 21, 20, 2, 23, 24, 22, 3, 7, 8, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 19, 18, 17, 15, 16, 13, 25 |
Final exam | Test 1 35% / Test 2 35% | 3 | 0.12 | 2, 23, 24, 22, 3, 7, 8, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 |
Test 1 | 35% | 2.5 | 0.1 | 2, 23, 24, 22, 3, 7, 8, 6 |
Test 2 | 35% | 2.5 | 0.1 | 23, 22, 7, 8, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 |
Continuous Evaluation allows the student to assess their learning progress and provides time for improvement during the course.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Partial Exams: Partial 1 accounts for 35% and Partial 2 for 35% of the final grade. These will be multiple-choice exams with 5 options to choose from. For each incorrect answer, 1/5 of the value of the question will be deducted. The student must answer 70% of the exam questions to be evaluated. Each test will have a maximum duration of 2 hours.
Final Exam: A final exam will be scheduled for students who have not reached the minimum required grade or who wish to improve their grade. It is possible to retake the partial exam that was not passed, or both partials if neither was passed.
Cooperative Learning consists of three activities: group activities represent 30% of the course. Cooperative learning (CA) fosters peer collaboration, development of self-learning, synthesis, and written and oral communication skills among students.
1. Problems on Experimental Techniques (TE): This part of the course will be assessed with 10%. It involves a questionnaire with problems related to experimental techniques in immunology.
2. Problem-Based Learning (PBL): This evaluation will represent 10% of the final grade. The activity is based on the presentation of a research article.
3. Project-Based Learning (ABPrj): This evaluation will represent 10% of the final grade. The activity is based on designing a research project based on a given hypothesis.
Attendance at the PAULs must be at least 80%, and a sign-in sheet will be passed around during the session to ensure this.
CONTINUOUS EVALUATION
There are two components in the evaluation of the course: individual work and cooperative work. The final grade is based on achieving a minimum of 5/10 in each part.
1.Individual Work: Evaluated through two partial exams that can be averaged to reach 5/10, provided that the grade in one of them is above 4/10. If neither exam meets the required passing grade, students can retake the partial exams. If both partials are failed, the student must take the final exam.
2. Cooperative Work: Students must achieve a minimum of 5/10 across all grades from the cooperative learning activities.
To pass the subject, each of the two modules must be passed with a minimum grade of 5.0 in the same academic year. In this case, the final grade will be the average of the grades obtained in each of the two modules of the subject. In the event of not passing any of the modules, the maximum grade obtained will be 4.8.
UNIQUE ASSESSMENT
The unique assessment consists of a single synthesis test covering the entire theoretical program, weighted at 70%, and PAULs and transversal skills at 30%, such as writing objectives. The grade from this synthesis test will be 100% of the final grade for the course. The teacher must be notified of the intention to take the unique assessment before the first partial exam.
The unique assessment test will be held on the same date set in the calendar for the last continuous assessment test, and the same make-up system will apply.
Failure to appear for any of the tests must be justified. The reason must be significant enough to reschedule the exam. Specific justification must be submitted to the teacher as soon as possible.
A student who does not appear for any exam will be classified as NON-ASSESSABLE.
TEXT BOOKS:
No more software is needed than the Office 365 available from UAB.
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
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(PAUL) Classroom practices | 521 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
(PAUL) Classroom practices | 522 | Catalan | second semester | morning-mixed |
(TE) Theory | 52 | Catalan | second semester | afternoon |