Immune System Course

Lesson 1 • Key Molecules of the Immune System

Introduces cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, and complement as signalling tools. Provides molecular vocabulary needed for mechanistic discussions ahead.

Lesson 2 • Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity

Contrasts the two major branches by speed, specificity, and memory. Establishes the conceptual divide that structures the entire course.

Lesson 3 • Defining Immunity and Its Purpose

Introduces the biological concept of immunity and its survival value. Anchors all subsequent learning in the system's fundamental protective mission.

Lesson 4 • Major Cell Types of Immunity

Surveys leukocyte lineages and their core functions. Gives students a cellular vocabulary essential for understanding all immune mechanisms.

Lesson 1 • Phagocytosis and Innate Killing

Details how neutrophils and macrophages engulf and destroy pathogens. Links cellular mechanics to pathogen clearance outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Physical and Chemical Barriers

Covers skin, mucous membranes, and secretions as the first line of defence. Establishes how barriers prevent pathogen entry before cellular responses activate.

Lesson 3 • Pattern Recognition Receptors

Explains how innate cells detect conserved microbial structures via PRRs. Connects molecular recognition to downstream inflammatory signalling.

Lesson 4 • Complement System Pathways

Covers classical, lectin, and alternative complement activation cascades. Demonstrates how complement amplifies innate killing and links to adaptive immunity.

Lesson 1 • MHC Molecules and Their Diversity

Explains MHC class I and II structure, function, and genetic polymorphism. Provides the molecular basis for antigen presentation to T cells.

Lesson 2 • Dendritic Cells as Antigen Presenters

Focuses on dendritic cell subsets, maturation, and migration to lymph nodes. Highlights their central role in initiating adaptive immune responses.

Lesson 3 • Antigens and Immunogenicity

Defines antigens, epitopes, and factors determining immunogenicity. Establishes what makes a molecule recognisable by the adaptive immune system.

Lesson 4 • T Cell Receptor Recognition

Describes TCR structure, pMHC binding, and the immunological synapse. Links antigen presentation to the activation signal received by T cells.

Lesson 1 • T Cell Activation and Co-stimulation

Explains the two-signal model and downstream signalling cascades. Shows why both antigen recognition and co-stimulation are required for full activation.

Lesson 2 • CD8 Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

Details CTL activation, killing mechanisms, and target cell recognition. Explains how CTLs eliminate virus-infected and tumour cells.

Lesson 3 • T Cell Development in the Thymus

Traces T cell maturation from progenitor to naive T cell through thymic selection. Establishes how the T cell repertoire is shaped for self-tolerance and reactivity.

Lesson 4 • T Cell Memory Formation

Describes effector-to-memory transition, memory subsets, and longevity. Explains the cellular basis for faster, stronger responses upon re-exposure.

Lesson 1 • B Cell Activation Pathways

Contrasts T-dependent and T-independent B cell activation routes. Shows how antigen type determines the nature and quality of the antibody response.

Lesson 2 • B Cell Development and Selection

Traces B cell maturation in bone marrow and peripheral tolerance checkpoints. Establishes how a diverse, self-tolerant B cell repertoire is generated.

Lesson 3 • Humoral Memory and Long-Lived Immunity

Covers memory B cell formation, long-lived plasma cells, and serum antibody persistence. Explains the cellular basis for durable humoral protection.

Lesson 4 • Antibody Structure and Function

Details immunoglobulin domains, isotypes, and effector mechanisms. Links antibody structure to neutralisation, opsonisation, and complement activation.

Lesson 1 • Immune Privilege and Tissue Tolerance

Examines sites with reduced immune surveillance and their protective mechanisms. Explains how immune privilege prevents damaging responses in sensitive tissues.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory T Cell Networks

Details Treg subsets, suppressive mechanisms, and tissue-specific roles. Connects Treg function to prevention of autoimmunity and inflammatory control.

Lesson 3 • Peripheral Tolerance Mechanisms

Explains anergy, ignorance, and regulatory suppression in peripheral tissues. Shows how escaped autoreactive cells are controlled outside primary organs.

Lesson 4 • Cytokine Networks in Regulation

Maps pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine balances that govern immune intensity. Demonstrates how cytokine imbalance leads to pathological inflammation.

Lesson 1 • Hypersensitivity Reactions

Classifies the four hypersensitivity types by mechanism and clinical presentation. Connects immune effector pathways to tissue damage in allergic and immune diseases.

Lesson 2 • Autoimmune Disease Mechanisms

Explains molecular mimicry, bystander activation, and epitope spreading in autoimmunity. Links tolerance breakdown to organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases.

Lesson 3 • Immune Evasion by Pathogens

Examines strategies viruses, bacteria, and parasites use to escape immune detection. Explains why some infections persist despite active immune responses.

Lesson 4 • Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Surveys genetic defects in innate and adaptive immunity and their clinical consequences. Demonstrates how specific component failures reveal immune system architecture.

Lesson 1 • Immunomodulation and Future Directions

Surveys emerging strategies including cytokine therapies, microbiome modulation, and precision immunology. Positions students to evaluate novel immune interventions critically.

Lesson 2 • Transplantation Immunology

Covers allorecognition, rejection mechanisms, and immunosuppressive protocols. Explains how immune responses to foreign tissue are managed clinically.

Lesson 3 • Monoclonal Antibodies as Therapeutics

Explains monoclonal antibody production, engineering, and clinical applications. Demonstrates how antibody specificity is harnessed to treat cancer and autoimmune disease.

Lesson 4 • Vaccine Principles and Design

Covers vaccine types, adjuvant mechanisms, and correlates of protection. Connects immunological memory concepts to vaccine-induced long-term immunity.