Introduction To Immunology

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the immune system, covering its structure, function, and role in health and disease. Students will explore both innate and adaptive immunity, key cellular and molecular components, antigen recognition, immune tolerance, and response regulation. The course will also cover immunological disorders, including immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity reactions, transplantation immunology, and immune responses to infections and cancer. By the end of this course, students will gain a solid foundation in immunology and its relevance to clinical and biomedical sciences.

Eligible Audience:

• Undergraduate and graduate students in biomedical sciences, immunology, microbiology, and medicine
• Medical professionals and researchers interested in immunological diseases and treatments
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical professionals working in immunotherapy, vaccine development, or immunodiagnostics
• Anyone with an interest in understanding the immune system and its impact on health and disease

Course Outline:

Module 1: Foundations of Immunology

• Introduction to the immune system: components, structure, and functions
• Cells, tissues, and organs involved in immunity

Module 2: Innate and Adaptive Immunity

• Mechanisms of innate immunity: barriers, cells, and pattern recognition
• T-cell receptors, B-cell development, and antibody responses

Module 3: Antigen Recognition and Presentation

• Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules
• Antigen presentation by professional APCs
• Cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement system

Module 4: Regulation and Tolerance of the Immune Response

• Immunological tolerance: central and peripheral mechanisms
• Regulation by Tregs and immune checkpoints

Module 5: Immune Responses to Pathogens

• Immunity against viruses, bacteria, protozoa, worms, and fungi
• Pathogen evasion strategies and host defense

Module 6: Immune System Disorders and Dysregulation

• Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies
• Autoimmune diseases: causes, examples, and therapies
• Hypersensitivity reactions (Types I-IV)

Module 7: Clinical Immunology and Therapeutics

• Transplantation immunology and graft rejection
• Immunity to cancers and emerging immunotherapies
• Immunosuppression in disease and treatment

Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental components and functions of the immune system
• Differentiate between innate and adaptive immunity
• Explain antigen recognition and immune response mechanisms
• Describe immune system disorders, including immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and hypersensitivity
• Analyze immune responses to infections, cancer, and transplants

Instructor:

• Doctor of Philosophy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (PhD) “Microbiology and Immunology”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
• Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc) “Microbiology and Immunology”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
• Bachelor’s Degree of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy,   Al-Azhar University, Egypt with grade: Excellent with honor.