Section: Topic 1: Immunology and Immunotherapy | MM302 Immunology and Infection (Trial) | IMU ODL

    • Welcome to the first topic in this module. In this topic, we will refresh your memory in basic immunology by re-visiting: 

      1. the overview of human immune system 
      2. innate immunity
      3. adaptive immunity

      Besides, we will review the latest progress in immunotherapy as a viable treatment option for communicable diseases. 


    • Learning Outcomes

    • Upon completion of this topic, students should be able to: 

      1. describe the host defense mechanisms against various types of microbial invasion. 

      2. describe the latest development of immunotherapy for communicable diseases.


    • Learning Materials

    • resource icon
      Topic 1: i-Lecture: Overview of human immune system File
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      In this section, we will have an overview of the human immune system. The human immune system can be divided into innate immunity and adaptive immunity. These two types of immunity have distinctive characteristics and involve different types of cells, chemicals and physical barriers. 

      Besides, important aspects of the immune system such as 1. signal transduction, 2. leukocyte circulation and migration into tissues, 3. lymphatic system and 4. cytokine will also be discussed. 

    • resource icon
      Topic 1: i-Lecture: Innate immunity File
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      The innate immunity provides the first line of defense against infectious microbes. Besides, the innate immunity is also responsible for the elimination of damaged cells and initiation of tissue repair processes. 

      It is crucial to realise that the innate and adaptive immunities are not mutually exclusive of each other. The innate immunity plays important role in stimulating the adaptive immune responses so that the adaptive immunity could be developed and become more effective in eradicating the pathogens. 

    • resource icon
      Topic 1: i-Lecture: Adaptive immunity File
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      The adaptive immunity initiates much slower compared to innate immunity upon microbial infection. However, adaptive immunity provides immunity towards microbes which do not portray antigens that can be recognised by innate immunity. 

      Adaptive immunity can be divided into cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity. In this section, the process of the development of adaptive immunity will be discussed. 

    • Students must
      Mark as done

      Topic 1: Guided reading: Immunotherapy


      The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens has triggered our interest in developing host-directed immunotherapy. 

      In this section, we will briefly discuss the benefits of using immunotherapy for communicable diseases and the general types of immunotherapy serving this objective. 



      In general, immunotherapy excels in the aspect of low resistance from pathogens. 


      Immunotherapy is used to combat pathogens by 1. augmenting immunity to kill the pathogens and 2. suppressing inappropriate immune responses that leads to undesirable symptoms. 

    • Learning Activities

    • Students must
      Mark as done

      Topic 1: Discussion: Reflective Writing

      Prion has not been included in the discussion above. Discuss with your peers about the immune responses against prion via Microsoft Teams group. 

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