Immunology

The course will cover topics: Basic immunology, Conception of the immune system, Organs, tissues, cells, molecules of the immune system and their functions, Molecules involved in the immune response, Changes in immune system, allergic reactions and vaccination. Students are introduced to the basic immunological methods.

To acquaint students with the basics of immunology, to provide knowledge about the immune system, its organs, tissues, cells, molecules and their functions.

General Biology, Invertebrate Biology, Vertebrate Biology

1. The concept of immunology. Branches of immunology. 2. Immunocompetent cells. Stem cells. Phagocytic cells. Lymphocytes. Antigen-presenting cells. 3. Organs and tissues of the immune system. Primary lymphoid organs, their structure and functions. Secondary lymphoid organs, their structure and functions. 4. Immune system. Types of immunity. The phylogenesis and ontogenesis of the immune system. 5. Development of the immunology in the world and in Lithuania. 6. Antigens. Types and properties of antigens. Antigenicity. Immunogenicity. Epitopes of antigens. Adjuvants. 7. Immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulin classes, structure, properties and functions. Allotypes and idiotypes of immunoglobulins. Monoclonal antibodies. 8. The major histocompatibility complex. 9. The complement system. Activation of the complement system. Regulation of the complement system. Complement receptors. 10. Cytokines. Types and functions of cytokines. 11. Adhesion molecules. 12. The immune response. Regulation of the immune response. 13. Changes on immune system. Autoimmunity. Immunodeficiency. Immune system diseases. 14. Allergy and allergic reactions. 15. Vaccines and vaccinations. Passive and active immunization.

- The student will be able to describe and explain the concept of immunology and main immunocompetent cells. - The student will be able to describe organs and tissues of the immune system and explain their function. - The student will be able to describe cells and molecules involved in immune responses and explain their function. - The student will be able to describe and explain the immune response. - The student will be able to apply the various immunological methods of antigen-antibody complex formation.