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Course unit title |
Scientific direction Scientific code |
Faculty |
Department (s) |
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Immunology |
Biology N010 |
Life Sciences Center |
Institute of Biosciences |
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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 structure, functions, cellular-molecular mechanisms of action of the immune system, their disorders, the formation of immune response and tolerance, and the practical application of the principles of immunology |
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Main topics |
Immunity, its functions. Innate and adaptive immunity, humoral and cellular immunities. Relationship between innate and acquired immunity. Interaction of the immune system with other systems of the body. The structure of the immune system (organs, cells, molecules). Components of innate immunity, their functions. Primary and secondary lymphatic organs. Hematopoiesis and immune system cells. Cytokines - the mediators of the immune system. Properties of chemokines. Adhesion molecules and their significance. Complement system. Structure and function of cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes / macrophages, eosinophils, basophils, dendritic cells) involved in the immune response. Inflammasome. Antigens. Antigenicity and immunogenicity. Antibodies and immunoglobulins. Structure of immunoglobulins. Antibody properties, functions, methods of obtaining and the use. Basic characteristics of antibody-antigen interaction. Affinity and avidity, specificity and cross-reactivity. Basic immunological methods, their application. Lymphocytes, their receptors and antigen recognition features. Major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules, their types, involvement in antigen presentation, significance for transplantation. Components of the immune response. Antigen preparation and presentation pathways. Humoral and cellular immune response. T and B cell populations and subpopulations, their functions in the immune response. Development of T and B cells, biological significance of their selection. Lymphocyte antigenic receptors, genetic basis of antigen recognition diversity. Lymphocyte repertoire. Naive lymphocyte activation and innate immunity. Properties, features and functions of effector lymphocytes. Antibody class switching and affinity maturation. T and B memory cells. Regulatory T cell. Features of naive and effector lymphocytes migration. Immune response during infections, polarization of immune response. Primary and secondary immune response. Integrated dynamics of innate and adaptive immunity. The mucosal immune system. Immune tolerance and autoimmunity. Central and peripheral tolerance of T and B cells. Graft rejection immunological basis. Regulatory cell populations. Immunodeficiency. Hypersensitivity reactions. Allergy. Antitumor immunity. Immunotherapies and their application. Vaccines, their properties, vaccination principles. |
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Main literature |
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Assessment strategy |
Assessment criteria |
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Exam or seminar |
The exam consists of a test of theoretical knowledge or a seminar (scientific report) on a designated topic. The theoretical knowledge of the PhD student is tested by answering 3 broad questions from the entire immunology course. Answers are prepared in writing and presented orally. After the presentation, the PhD student answers the questions of the commission and the audience. Evaluation criteria: the completeness of the answer, the correctness, logic, accuracy and answers to the additional questions are assessed. A public scientific report on a designated topic is prepared for the seminar, summarizing at least 5 scientific articles from the last year. Duration of the report - 40–45 minutes. After the presentation, the PhD student answers the questions of the commission and the audience. Evaluation criteria: the content of the report, its quality, visual presentation culture and answers to questions. |
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Coordinator(s) Name, surname |
Pedagogical rank |
Scientific degree |
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Vytautas Kašėta |
assoc. prof. |
dr. | ||
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Nomeda Kuisienė |
prof. |
dr. |
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Approved 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 |