Introduction to Human Immunology

The immune system refers to a collection of cells and proteins that function to protect the skin, respiratory tract, intestinal tract and other areas from foreign antigens, such as microbes (organisms such as bacteria fungi, and parasites), viruses, cancer cells, and toxins. Recent advances in translational, clinical and fundamental research provide evidence for the modulation of immune responses (e.g. by foods, dietary ingredients and natural products). The purpose of the Introduction to Human Immunology course is to provide a basic knowledge of the immune response and the mechanisms by which humans, but principles and processes apply on other mammals as well, defend themselves against foreign antigens.

The course will focus on:

• basic aspects of immunology; the innate and adaptive immune system

• immune cell interactions to maximize, but also limit, immune responses

• immune-related disorders in humans

• test systems enabling detection of immunomodulatory activity

This course overlaps with CBI21303. Therefore, combing this course with CBI21303 is not allowed.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Identify components and activity of the innate immune system
• Explain the concept and manner of antigen presentation by the immune system
• Identify the components of the adaptive immune system
• Describe the orchestration of immune responses in the primary and secondary immune organs
• Explain (failure in) preventing self-responses
• Exemplify how we can intervene in immune activity with food or therapy
• Perform laboratory techniques to detect functional components of the innate and adaptive immune system and visualize secondary lymphoid structures and organisation

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
For this course prior knowledge is assumed that is gained by course CBI10306 (Dutch version) or CBI10806 (English version) Cell Biology and basic knowledge on Human Anatomy and Human Physiology. During these courses the book 'Essential Cell Biology (ISBN 978-0-393-68039-3) is used to obtain this knowledge.