Immune System: Response & Composition

Immune Response and Composition

• The role of the immune response and the composition of the immune system were the topics of the lecture.
• The presentation was given by Dr. Krisztina Szarka.

Semester Information

• The teaching institute is the One Health Institute.
• The head of the institute is Dr. Gabor Kardos.
• The academic advisor is Dr. Krisztina Szarka.
• Lecture materials are accessible on the institute's e-learning platform.
• Attendance at 50% of lectures is mandatory.
• Attendance is registered via a QR code at the start and end of each lecture.
• Students who leave during class cannot return and their attendance is marked as invalid.
• Medical certificates for absence must be submitted within 5 working days.
• Exams are held in computer rooms under controlled conditions.

Lecture Topics

• The lectures cover a range of topics related to the immune system, from the role of immune response and composition of the immune system to specific cell types and functions, immune tolerance, and immunological methods.

• Specific topics range from the properties and components of natural immunity to details about adaptive immunity, immune regulation, and the roles immune systems play during pregnancy and transplantations, in response to tumours and pathogens.

• The topics also include discussions of the complement system, MHC molecules, antigen presentation, B- and T-cell receptors, and clonal selection.

• Additional topics include antibody structure and function, different types of T-cells and their roles, immune tolerance and hypersensitivity, and immune responses related to pregnancy and immunotherapies. The presentation also includes topics on immunoserological methods I and II.

Science of Immunology

• Immunology is the study of the immune system's function and how it responds to infection, tumors, and other harmful substances.
• It encompasses medical, veterinary and biological sciences.
• The focus is on maintaining the body's integrity by identifying and destroying foreign substances.
• It includes aspects of the immune system like diversity, specificity, memory, self/non-self recognition, and the immune system's structure and function.
• Other components of the field include diseases of the immune system (immunopathology, autoimmunity, allergies, and cancers).
• Additional topics include immunodeficiency states, blood banks, transfusions, transplantation, and immunopharmacology.
• Aspects include immunity, immunochemistry, and immunobiology.

History of Immunology

• Significant figures in the field of immunology are highlighted, including their respective contributions to the field with dates and specific methods and procedures (e.g., Koch, Jenner, Pasteur.)
• The development of microbiology is explored, linking critical milestones to respective figures, and detailed events.
• The history encompasses the development of understanding disease mechanisms in terms of specific micro-organisms, and methods they used.
• Concepts of immunity, like clonal selection, and development of early vaccines are noted, along with specifics of experiments (e.g., testing toxins, vaccines, and antibodies).
• Later researchers such as Ehrlich and others are mentioned, their discoveries and corresponding theories.

Theories Explaining Antigen-Antibody Binding

• Theories like the selectivity theory (Ehrlich, 1900) and Instructional theory (Bein and Haurowitz, 1930s and 1940s) explain how antigens and antibodies interact.
• Understanding the concept of antigen-antibody binding through these and other theories is key to understanding aspects of immunology.

Natural vs. Acquired Immunity

• Natural immunity and acquired immunity are discussed in comparison.
• Key information and features are presented in different categories, enabling a clear differentiation and a better understanding of each type.

Basic Definitions

• Key terms and concepts (e.g., PAMPs, PRRs, DAMPs, etc., and their relation to the immune system's function and reactions) related to the immune system's response and components are described.
• The functions of each component are covered in detail, enhancing understanding of how different structures contribute to immune system efficiency.

Primary and Secondary Lymphatic Organs

• Primary lymphatic organs are explained, in particular the red bone marrow and the thymus, as the sites for the formation and development of lymphocytes.
• Secondary organs are detailed as well, including locations of lymphocytes activation, proliferation and differentiation.
• Specific locations within the body are identified.