MICRB 410Principles of Immunology

3 credits · Microbiology · Penn State

The MICRB 410 / VBSC 410 Theories of immunity (3cr.) course provides a basic foundation in immunology with a focus on the progression from antigen recognition and innate immune responses to the development of acquired immunity. During the course, students will have the opportunity to learn about key topics that lead to an understanding of the how the human immune system functions. Such topics include the primary cells and anatomical sites of the immune system as well as the activation and processes of innate immunity. In addition, students will learn about the organization and generation of lymphocyte antigen receptors, major histocompatibility complexes, and antigen presentation. Topics will also be presented that allow students to build an understanding of how antigen recognition and presentation leads to the development, selection, and survival of B and T lymphocytes. T-cell mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and the dynamics of the immune response will also be discussed in depth. Topics such as the immunobiology of allergy, transplantation, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, diseases, vaccines, and/or cancer will also be presented in order to help students build an understanding of the interplay between the immune system and health and disease will be discussed throughout the semester.