Immunology

Full course description

The immune system of vertebrates exists of a collection of cells, tissues and molecules that mediate resistance to foreign intruders. These intruders (e.g. pathogenic microorganisms) can be seen as the enemy and the immune system as the defense system. Microorganisms can enter the body through the airways, the gastro-intestinal tract, the urogenital tract, and through damaged skin. The invaders usually have the capacity to multiply fast and overgrow the host in a short period of time. Fortunately, the immune system is able to destroy or restrain the intruders, or to neutralize the toxic substances the intruders produce. The course focuses on the role of different humoral factors, cells and cell systems of the innate and adaptive immune system, that are involved in the defense of an organism against these intruders. In addition, the processes involved in immunization, allergy, vaccination and transplantation will be discussed.