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Immunology

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Ķīmi3004, Biochemistry

Vete2013, Anatomy of the Domestic Animals I

Vete2014, Anatomy of the Domestic Animals II

Vete2015, Anatomy of the Domestic Animals III

Vete4034, Cytology, Histology and Embryology II

Vete4035, Cytology, Histology and Embryology I

Course abstract

The purpose of the study course is to acquire knowledge of the mechanisms of reactivity of the animal organism which form protection against infectious disease agents, mainly bacteria and viruses, as well as to acquire an understanding of undesirable changes in reactivity: allergy, tolerance, autoimmune disease. The course learns the theoretical basics of animal immunization.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: be able to understand non-specific (innate) and specific (adaptive) protection processes in the animal`s organism – 3 theoretical tests; Skills: is adept at explaining and discussing in a reasoned manner basic immunology issues with both specialists and laypersons, as well as interpreting serological testing results (complement fixation reaction) and performing allergic diagnosis of animal diseases (e.g. tuberculin test); Competence: be able to evaluate the preparedness of an individual animal or group of animals for vaccination, explain to the animal owner questions regarding the significance of immunization, prerequisites and possible disorders - exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies (40 h).
1. History of immunology development. Antigen. 3 h.
2. Adaptive (specific) and innate (non-specific) protection. Body barriers and myeloid system cells. 3 h.
3. Immunoglobulins and their formation in plasmocytes. 4 h.
4. Complement system. Immune complex. Complement fixation test. 2 h. Theoretical test.
5. T and B lymphocytes. Antigen receptors. Cytokines. Humoral and cellular immunity. 3 h.
6. Macrophages. Dendritic cells. Antigen presentation. Superantigens. 3 h.
7. Major histocompatibility complex MHC. 1 h.
8. Tissues and organs of the immune system. Formation of the immune system during embryonic development. The immune system at birth. Natural passive immunity. Colostrum. 5 h.
9. Active immunisation. Vaccination. 3 h.
10. Parenteral and local administration of vaccines. Duration of immune protection. Booster vaccination. 2 h. Theoretical test.
11. Immunity response to tissue and organ transplantation. Immune response regulation. Tolerance. 1 h.
12. Type I allergy. Anaphylaxis. 3 h.
13. Type II allergy. Erythrocyte antigens, blood groups. Reaction to incompatible blood transfusion. 1 h.
14. Type III allergy. Immunocomplex disease. Serum sickness. 1 HR.
15. Type IV allergy. Contact allergy Tuberculin test. 3 h.
16. Autoimmunity. Primary and secondary immune deficiency. 2 h. Theoretical test.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independent studies of literature as preparation for tests and exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Three quizzes during the semester. Proportion of correct answers in each quizz should be at least 60%. Exam at the end of course. Allowed to take exam if all three quizzes done successfully. Cumulative assessment of exam (the average of grade from three quizzes) is offered for the students who have attended at least 80% of all contact hours and received 8 points (10-point grading system) in every quiz with the first try.

Compulsory reading

Day M.J., Schultz R.D. (2014) Veterinary Immunology: principles and practice. 2nd ed. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. 317 p.

Further reading

Tizard I. (2016) Veterinary Immunology. Saunders, 552 p.
Tizard, I.R. (2020) Vaccines for veterinarians. Elsevier - Health Sciences Division, 336 p.

Notes

Compulsory course of second cycle professional higher education study program Veterinary Medicine