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Course unit title |
Scientific direction Scientific code |
Faculty |
Department (s) |
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Immunology |
Biochemistry N 004 |
Life Sciences Center |
Institute of Biotechnology |
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Total number of credits |
8 | |||
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Mode of studies |
Number of credits |
Mode of studies |
Number of credits |
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Lectures |
0 |
Consultations |
1,5 |
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Self-studies |
5 |
Seminars |
1,5 |
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Aims of course |
To acquire knowledge about the components of the immune system and their functions, molecular mechanisms of the immune response and immune tolerance, practical application of the achievements of immunology. |
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Main topics |
Primary and secondary lymphoid organs. Innate and adaptive immunity. Components of innate immunity, their functions. Phagocytosis. Macrophages, their subpopulations. Neutrophils, their properties and functions, NETosis. Dendritic cells, their subpopulations and functions. The inflammasome, its functions in health and disease, autoinflammatory disorders. Processing of protein antigens and their presentation to T lymphocytes. MHC genes and molecules, their structure, properties, functions. Antigen presentation in class I and II MHC molecules. Graft rejection. Antigen-presenting cells, their properties and functions. T and B lymphocytes, their receptors, antigen recognition features. Genes of T and B lymphocyte receptors. T and B lymphocyte repertoire. V(D)J recombination. Maturation of T lymphocytes. Thymus, its functions. T lymphocytes, their properties and functions. Activation of naïve T lymphocytes. Effector T lymphocytes (TH1, TH2, TH17, CTLs), their properties and functions. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), their properties and functions. Memory T lymphocytes, their properties and functions. B lymphocytes. Immunoglobulins, their structure and functions. T cell-dependent B cell response. Primary and secondary immune response. Molecular mechanisms of immunoglobulin affinity maturation and class switching. Effector functions of antibodies Mechanisms of immune tolerance and autoimmunity. Central and peripheral tolerance of T and B lymphocytes. Autoimmune reactions and their causes. Mechanisms of type I, II, III and IV hypersensitivity reactions. Allergic diseases, the principles of specific immunotherapy. Immunity against tumors. The principles of cancer immunotherapy. The interaction of the immune system and other organism systems. The impact of gut microbiota on the immune system. Vaccines: their types, principles of their development, mechanism of action. Monoclonal and recombinant antibodies, their development and application. Immunoassays, their principles and application. |
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Main literature |
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Assessment strategy |
Assessment criteria |
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Exam and seminar |
The exam consists of the evaluation of theoretical knowledge (test) and a seminar (scientific report) on a chosen topic. The theoretical knowledge of the PhD student is tested by answering 20-30 open questions from the entire immunology course. Only those PhD students who answer more than 80 percent of the theoretical questions correctly are permitted to prepare the seminar. A public scientific lecture is prepared for the seminar, in which at least 5 recent scientific articles are summarized. Duration of the presentation - 40-45 min. After the presentation, the PhD student answers the questions of the commission and the audience. Evaluation criteria: the content of the lecture, the quality of presentation and answers to questions. |
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Coordinator(s) Name, Surname |
Pedagogical rank |
Scientific degree |
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Aurelija Žvirblienė |
prof. | dr. | |
| Dovilė Stravinskienė | dr. |
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Approved by the Council oApproved by the Council of Doctoral School of Life Sciences Center No (4.10)600000-KT-… on the 14th of October 2021 |
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Chairman dr. Daiva Baltriukienė |