Advanced Immunology/Immunochemistry
Course Code: BCH3102
CU = 3
Course Description:
This course is intended to equip the student with the knowledge and understanding of the vertebrate
immune system, its component and mechanism of immune responses with specific reference to the
human immune defence system. The advanced is offered as an elective to third year students in the
semester of every year. In addition the course exposes the students to practical application of
immunological function and application of immunochemical techniques in various disciplines.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course the student is expected to be able to:
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Define immunology; Immunochemistry, Immunity, Immune system and immune responses.
Name major organs of the immune system and explain mechanisms of immune reactions.
Explain the importance of the immune system.
Explain inappropriate immune reactions and consequences.
Describe mechanism of immunological memory
Describe mechanism for generation antibody diversity.
Explain the principles of classifying immunoglobulin’s.
Describe the biological/physiological functions of immunoglobulins
Differentiate specific and nonspecific immune responses
Differentiate B/T lyphocytes and describe process of development
Describe antigen recognition by B/T cells
Define an antigen, immunogen and haptens; and state the characteristics of a good antigen
Describe antigen processing and presentation
Define auto-immunity and explain origin of autoimmune diseases
Describe MHC of man and role in tissue/graft rejection
Define allergy/hypersensitivity and differentiate the different types of hyper sensitivity reactions.
Explain the basic principles of immunological methods and state their application in different fields
Explain the principles of vaccinology/immunizations.
Course outline
The general IS, organs of IS, immune responses and importance of IS, Non-specific vs specific immune
system and types of cells involved. Lymphocytes (B/T lymphocytes), origin and development.
Antigen recognition by B/T lymphocytes, antigen processing and presentation, antigen presenting cells
(APCs).
Cell surface differentiation clusters or CDs; Immunogens, antigens and haptens, characteristics of
good antigen/immunogens.
Antigenic determinants epitopes (linear and confromational epitopes)
Antibodies or immunoglobulins, classes and subclasses, Ig-superfamily, structure of Ig molecule,
biological/physiological functions of antibodies.
Ig-genes, generation and antibody diversity
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of man, MHCI & II and class restrictions, role in tissue
transplantation.
Allergy/Hypersensitivity: types of hypersensitivity reactions.
Autoimmunity and origins of autoimmune diseases.
Vaccinology/vaccination and principles and application.
Immunochemical assay principles and techniques and application.
Lecture details
The Immune system, immune responses
Specific vs non specific immune systems plus cells involved
Antigen recognition by B/T lymphocytes, antigen processing and presentation
Cell differentiation cluster CDs (CD3, CD4, CD8 etc
Immunogen antigen, hapten plus characteristics of good antigens
Antigenic determinants/epitopes (linear and conformational)
Antibodies. Classes/subclasses, structures and functions
Immunoglobulin genes and generation of antibody diversity
Major histocompatibility complex of man and roles in tissue rejection
Allergy/hypersensitivity and types
Auto-immunity/origi n of auto-immuno diseases
Principles of vaccinology and application
Immunochemical assay techniques and their principles/application
Total hours
2 hrs
6 hrs
1 hr
2 hrs
1 hr
2 hrs
2 hrs
2 hrs
2 hrs
2 hrs
2 hrs
2 hrs
2 hrs
30 hrs
Reading lists
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Immunology Fourth Edition by Ivan Roit, Jonathan Brosoff and David Male
Immunology An Introduction Third Edition by Tizard
Lecture notes on Immunology Third Edition by Gordon Reeves and Ian Todd
Immunology by Kurby
Molecular Immunology Ed. By B.D. Hames & D.M. Glover.
Immunochemistry in Practice Alan Johnson/Robin Thorpe 2nd Ed.
Assessment and Teaching pattern
The course content will be covered in 5 weeks, 6 hours each week giving a total of 30 hrs of Lecturer per
week.
Mode of Instruction
Traditional lectures using Power Point presentations with intersection from students by asking questions and seeking
clarification.
Group discussion on some selected topics and uses of biological modes to illustrate more difficult concepts.
Tutorials are conducted every week on course in areas identified by students.
Students are also encouraged to complement lecture notes with texts and information from internet.
Assessment pattern
Contribute
Course tests and take home assignments
Final exams
40%
60%
Total 100%
Immunological Methods and their Application
This part of the course introduces learners to the general principles employed in diagonistic immunology as well as
other research fields. The principles underlying production of antibodies for use as reagents in clinical and research
undertakings (immunochemistry) are also explored.
Learning objectives
To enable learners use knowledge gained from basic immunology to develop specific diagnostic and research tools.
Suggested teaching programme
Included in lecture details No. 6
Antigen-antibody interactions and immuno assays
Production of monoclonal antibodies
Development of and application of vaccines
Assignment; review of an article on current trends in immunology
2 hrs
1 hrs
2 hrs
3 hrs