Week 1
Lesson 1
Introduction to immune systems
Students will learn the basic structure and function of the immune system, including its key components and their roles in defending the body against pathogens. They will also gain an understanding of the differences between innate and adaptive immunity.
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Hematopoiesis & immune cell types
Students will explore the process of hematopoiesis, learning how blood cells are formed and differentiate into various types of immune cells. They will also study the distinct functions and characteristics of these different immune cell types in the immune response.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Local vs. systemic inflammation
Students will examine the differences between local and systemic inflammation, understanding how each type of inflammatory response manifests and affects the body. They will also learn about the underlying mechanisms and implications of both local and systemic inflammation in disease processes.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Introduction to pattern recognition receptors
Students will be introduced to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), learning about their role in the immune system's ability to detect pathogens. They will study the different types of PRRs and their mechanisms for recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Transition from Innate to Adaptive immunity
Students will explore the transition from innate to adaptive immunity, understanding how the initial innate immune response activates and shapes the subsequent adaptive immune response. They will learn about the interactions and signaling pathways that facilitate this transition and its importance in mounting a specific and effective immune defense.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Intro to Adaptive Recognition: T vs. B cells
Students will be introduced to the adaptive immune recognition process, focusing on the distinct roles and mechanisms of T cells and B cells. They will learn how T cells recognize antigens presented by other cells, while B cells recognize free antigens, and how these processes contribute to a coordinated adaptive immune response.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Activation of naive T cells and T cell activation
Students will learn about the activation of naive T cells, focusing on the steps required for their activation and the role of antigen-presenting cells. They will also study the signaling pathways involved in T cell activation and the subsequent proliferation and differentiation of these cells into effector T cells.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Immune memory and vaccines
Students will explore the concept of immune memory and its importance in vaccination. They will learn how vaccines stimulate the immune system to generate memory cells, leading to a faster and stronger response upon subsequent exposure to the pathogen, thus conferring immunity.
 Week 9
Lesson 9
Immune tolerance and Tregs
Students will delve into the concept of immune tolerance, focusing on the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in maintaining self-tolerance and preventing autoimmune reactions. They will learn about the mechanisms by which Tregs suppress immune responses and the implications of Treg dysfunction in autoimmune diseases.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
Allergic reactions
Students will study allergic reactions, exploring the immune mechanisms underlying hypersensitivity responses to harmless antigens. They will learn about the role of mast cells, IgE antibodies, and inflammatory mediators in allergic reactions, as well as the classification of allergic responses and their clinical manifestations.
 Week 11
Lesson 11
Cancer and immunotherapy
Students will investigate the relationship between cancer and immunotherapy, exploring how the immune system can be harnessed to target and eliminate cancer cells. They will learn about different types of immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, and their mechanisms of action in bolstering the immune response against cancer.
 Week 12
Lesson 12
Autoimmune diseases
Students will explore autoimmune diseases, delving into the mechanisms by which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. They will study various autoimmune conditions, their underlying causes, clinical manifestations, and treatment options, aiming to understand the complex interplay between immunity and self-tolerance.