Lecture Immunology

Basic Lecture Immunology

In this basic lecture of immunology the main concepts of the mammalian immune system are introduced. The lecture is conceived for Bachelor students in the 4^th semester mainly coming from the study courses of Biological Science and Life Science but students from higher semesters and other study courses are welcome as well. Prerequisites are basic knowledge in cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. The contents of this lecture and the final written exam are prerequisites for performing a Bachelor or Master thesis in immunology or to participate in the advanced practical course (Vertiefungskurs) in immunology.

Aim of the Basic Lecture in Immunology

The principles of the innate and adaptive immune response in mammals (mainly humans and mice) and their cellular and anatomical components will be introduced. Important receptors and their associated signal transduction and gene regulation modules will need to be learned and understood. The  medical implications of the immune system in autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, allergy, and tumor immunology as well as their causes and pathogenic pathways will be tought. Also therapeutic concepts of immunosuppression, transplantation, and immune stimulation should be understood.

Script

The content is summarized in an illustrated script which will be made available for the participants on the E-learning platform ILIAS. The  password to these files will be communicated in the first lecture.

Literature

The lecture is largely based on the textbook ‘Janeway’s Immunobiology’ by Kenneth Murphy and Casey Weaver, 9^th edition or the translated 7^th edition in German ‘Janeway Immunologie’. These and earlier editions are available in numerous copy numbers in the University Library of the University of Konstanz.

The lecture is tought in German.