Biotechnologies

Integrated program with Prof. Bernardini Properties and overview of immune response: natural and adaptive immune responses, the molecular basis of antigenicity. Anatomy and function of lymphoid tissues. Leukocyte circulation and migration into tissues. Molecular basis of recognition by the innate immune system. The antigen and the molecules involved in antigen recognition. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC). General characteristics of genes and genomic organization of the major histocompatibility complex; structure of MHC molecules. Structural basis of binding of peptides to MHC molecules. Cell biology of antigen processing and physiological significance of antigen presentation in association to MHC. The T cell receptor (TCR) and the B cell receptor (BCR): structural features. Antibodies. Molecular structure. Chemical and structural basis of antigen/antibody binding. The monoclonal antibodies: main applications in research and in the clinic. Lymphocyte development and antigen receptor gene rearrangement. The activation of T and B lymphocytes. Signal transduction by the antigen receptor complex of T and B lymphocytes. Costimulatory receptors in T and B cells. The functional consequences of signal transduction by the antigen receptor complex in T and B cells. The role of helper T cells in determining the nature of the immune response. Antibody response. Effector mechanisms of humoral responses. Antibody effector functions. The complement system. Cytokines, cytokine receptors and signaling. Effector cell-mediated mechanisms. Cytotoxic cells: cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells, mechanisms of cytolysis. Macrophages activation: phagocytosis and cytolysis. Principles of vaccination and strategies for vaccine development. Hypersensitivity disorders. Topics covered: General aspects of the immune system: natural and adaptive immune responses, the molecular basis of antigenicity. The antigen and the molecules involved in antigen recognition and binding. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC). General characteristics of genes and genomic organization of the major histocompatibility complex; structure of MHC molecules. Structural basis of binding of peptides to MHC molecules. The antigen-presenting cells to T lymphocytes. Cell biology of antigen processing and physiological significance of antigen presentation in association to MHC. The T cell receptor (TCR). Structural features. Interaction TCR/MHC-peptide antigen. Protein receptor complex of T lymphocytes. The main accessory molecules of T lymphocytes. Mechanisms generating the diversity of antigen receptors. The mechanisms of rearrangement of the immunoglobulin and TCR genes, somatic mutations of the genes of immunoglobulins. Hypersensitivity disorders (types I and IV reactions).

Although no requirements are expected, the student must have basic skills on cellular and molecular biology, as well elements on human anatomy, histology and microbiology. Students are allowed to take the exam if they have already passed all required first-year courses the only exceptions being the English course and the course of "General microbiology, microbial biotechnology and elements of medical microbiology" for which there is an additional module to pass during the second academic year.

Material shown during lectures. The texts recommended for the preparation of specific topics are: Abbas A.K., Lichtman A. H., Pillai S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Tenth edition, Elsevier, 2021; Parham P. The immune system. Fifth Edition, WW Norton, 2021; Murphy K. and Weaver C. IMMUNOBIOLOGY of Janeway. Ninth edition, Garland Science, 2017.

Lectures

Not mandatory

Progress test at the end of the course to assess the level of preparation achieved. Oral exam with open stimulus and open answer. The objective of the test consists in verifying the level of achievement of the previously indicated training objectives.

Lectures

Program of this module: Cellular and molecular components of innate immunity and their functions. Mechanism for recognition of pathogens in innate immunity. Lymphocytic recirculation and the organization of lymphoid organs. Activation of macrophages: phagocytosis and cytolysis. Monoclonal antibodies

Although no prerequisites are required, the student must possess knowledge of cellular and molecular biology and microbiology Students are allowed to take the exam only if they have already passed the exams of the first year with the only exceptions of the English course and the integrated course of "General Microbiology, microbial biotechnology and elements of medical microbiology" for which there is an additional second in the 2nd year

IMMUNOLOGIA CELLULARE E MOLECOLARE Edited by: Masson C.A. Janeway, K. Murphy, P. Travers, M. Walport. IMMUNOBIOLOGIA- Il sistema immunitario in salute e malattia Edited by: Piccin Male D., Brostoff J., Roth D.B., Roitt I. IMMUNOLOGIA. Edited by:Masson

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended Students will be also invited to attend seminars on biomedicine topics, held by national and international speakers. In this case, attendance is not mandatory.

A written progress test (anonymous) with multiple choices is provided at the end of the course to evaluate the level of preparation achieved Oral test with open stimulus and open answers The objective of the exam consists in verifying the achievement of the previously indicated training objectives

Frontal lessons in classroom. During lessons, professor shows power point slides to explain the topic of the course.