Aims

This module aims to consider human immunity in health and disease. Newcastle University has considerable research activity in these areas and this module will focus on examining recent findings and techniques, including those obtained from immuno-compromised patients, which have increased our understanding of basic immunology. The theme underpinning this module will thus be how understanding various components and processes within the immune system is currently influencing the development of new treatments. In particular the module will focus on:

•understanding at the cellular and molecular level the components and steps involved in initiating effective immune responses
•how the examination of the immune responses to a variety of different pathogens can lead to significant increases in the understanding of the human immune system
•how immunity can be “mis-directed” resulting in either chronic inflammation or autoimmune disease
•how understanding the precise detail of events leading to autoimmune disorders is essential for the development of effective therapies
•how understanding the basic concepts of molecular and cellular immunity is allowing increased organ transplantation success.

Outline Of Syllabus

Review and update of the cells of the immune system along with current techniques used for immunological study.

The molecular links between antigen recognition and immune activation      

The consequences of lymphocyte activation

Immune regulation

How infectious disease and immune deficiencies can inform our knowledge of immune function

Analysis of triggers that may initiate immune disorders such as autoimmunity

Immune cell and drug-based therapies for autoimmune disorders

Manipulation of immunity for human health including transplantation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide the majority of the knowledge base. Most will integrate information researchers have gathered from the study of the immunology of healthy and diseased patients and animal models. Students will have an opportunity to consider and discuss real research topics and disease examples in the tutorial/seminars. The lectures should stimulate the students to reflect and do further reading and the seminar/ tutorials should stimulate the students to reflect and critically consider research findings and their translation to the treatment of human disease.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The paper interpretation exercise tests the understanding of research literature, discipline knowledge, data analyses, methodologies and critical appraisal abilities. Paper to be provided online 7 days in advance of assessment. The PIE will then be invigilated. Feedback from the paper interpretation exercise will also help with the student's exam assessment.