ALLERGOLOGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
No propaedeutics are required for this course.
For all the modules of the integrated course, the examination consists of an oral test, with one question, for each module, in which the student will be asked to demonstrate knowledge related to the program carried out. The objective of the examination is to verify the level of achievement of the previously stated educational objectives. The outcome of the examination will be in thirtieths, and to pass the examination, the student must achieve a mark of not less than 18 (eighteen) for each module; the final grade will result as the average of the marks for all modules.
This teaching provides the prospective graduate with the principles of Endocrinology, Allergology, Clinical Immunology, and Pediatrics that are a useful cultural background in the performance of his or her future duties. The teaching consists of 3 modules:
1. ENDOCRINOLOGY, Credits: 2
2. ALLERGOLOGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY, Credits: 2
3. PEDIATRICS, Credits: 1
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1) discuss the functioning of fundamental immune cells, such as dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T and B lymphocytes, their interactions and the main molecules involved;
2) describe the different mechanisms of allergy and the different types of hypersensitivity, as well as the immunological processes of autoimmune diseases, HIV immunodeficiency, and some background on transplantation;
3) know the most frequent diseases of the newborn and child;
4) correctly interpret the main pediatric laboratory tests;
5) describe and explain the generalities of the endocrine system, the chemical structure of hormones, and types of hormone action, and general endocrine pathology.
The lectures will address the following topics:
Innate functions and immune responses: focus on dendritic cells and natural killer cells. The complement system. Function of the main cytokines and chemokines in the immune response.
Cellular responses T and B. The characteristics of specific recognition.
Structure and functions of antibodies.
Helper T cells and helper subtypes. T helper 2 lymphocytes and allergy.
Hypersensitivity or 1st type immuno-pathogenic reactions or allergies. Pathogenetic mechanisms and IgE-mediated response. Hypersensitivity of 2nd-3rd-4th type. Characteristics of the immune cells involved and of the effector mechanisms.
Autoimmune diseases. Etiology, genetics and molecular mechanisms and examples of some therapies.
HIV infection and AIDS. Elements of transplant immunology.
The course consists of 24 hours of lectures (2 CFU). These lessons will be supported by power point slides.
The teacher is available for in-depth or clarification meetings on the topics covered for individual students or groups of students. Student reception by appointment, to be agreed by e-mail (lorenzo.mortara@uninsubria.it), at the laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology (1st floor), Pavilion ex Colonia - Biomedical Pole, via Monte Generoso, 71 (int. 3), Varese.