14 topics with concise breakdowns: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
The «Introduction to Immunology» section lays the foundation for understanding the body's defense mechanisms. We will journey from the history of immunology and the evolution of the immune system to the subtle mechanisms of immunological recognition. You will study the architecture of defense: immune system organs and hematopoiesis, as well as the main protagonists — myeloid cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes.
The foundation of the course is a clear distinction and interconnection between innate and adaptive immunity. It covers in detail how primary antigen recognition occurs, what stages of the immune response make up the reaction to a pathogen, and how a full-fledged cell-mediated immune response is formed.
Seminars and colloquia most often require a rigorous understanding of cell interactions. Pay special attention to T-helper differentiation and molecular cascades at the intersection of innate and acquired immunity. Without these basic principles, it is impossible to understand clinical disciplines, infectious pathologies, and vaccine prophylaxis.
What is the revolutionary nature of Charles Janeway's doctrine?
He proved that innate immunity has its own recognition specificity, and established that without its activation, it is impossible to trigger adaptive (acquired) immunity.
Why does the immune system attack even those foreign molecules that are not toxic?
During evolution, a «presumption of guilt» was formed. The immune system does not wait for aggression to manifest, because historically most foreign objects posed a threat to the organism's survival.
Why doesn't innate immunity cause autoimmune diseases?
Its receptors were formed in phylogeny and are genetically programmed to recognize only foreign conserved molecules, so the self-nonself discrimination is perfect.
What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?
Adaptive immunity has narrow specificity, generates effector cells de novo, creates immunological memory, and is capable of effectively defending against malignant tumors.
Must an antigen necessarily be foreign to trigger an immune response?
No. Foreignness is not the primary and obligatory property. The immune system is tolerant to food and intestinal symbionts, but can strongly attack its own tissues if the barriers of isolated zones (such as the central nervous system) are disrupted.
What is the difference between central and peripheral lymphoid organs?
In central organs, cells differentiate without contact with antigen. In peripheral ones, mature lymphocytes encounter foreign agents and trigger an immune response.
Master the entire topic in the "Immunology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
723 pages of study guides for all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium