Molecular and Cellular Immunology

Evolution of the immune system, innate immunity, cell biology of immunity, structural basis of discrimination between self and non-self.

Programmes

• BSc Biochemistry, BSc Medical Biochemistry, BSc Biological Sciences, BSc Human Biology

Level

Final Year

20 Credits

The emphasis of this module is on how the immune system works, with a focus on molecular and cellular aspects.

The main areas covered include:

• the evolution of the immune system,
• innate immunity and the role of phagocytes, inflammatory responses and intracellular killing mechanisms,
• adaptive immunity and the role of B cells, T cell subsets, antigen presenting cells, interleukins and cell surface receptors,
• immunity and infection killer cells and killing mechanisms, (iv) the structures, signalling pathways, cell biology and interactions involved in antigen recognition, T and B cell responses, antibody-antigen complexes,
• immunological disorders, including hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases and transplantation,
• vaccines and therapeutic antibodies.

Watch the module-in-a-minute video

Delivery

Lectures, data interpretation sessions, practicals, guided independent study