Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Spring 2025
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course immunology intends to give an understanding of the parts and function of the immune system. The course also intends to give insight into different diseases and when the immune system malfunctions.
The course contains:
Innate and adaptive immunity.
Development of B-cells and T-cells.
Clonal selection.
Generation of diversity of T and B-cells.
Antigen recognition of T lymphocytes and T-cell-mediated immunity.
Humoral immunity (mediated by B cells and antibodies).
MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)
Antibodies (structure and function)
T-Cell receptors (structure and function)
Cell communication.
The complement system
When the immune system has malfunctioned: Autoimmunity, allergy.
The body defence against infection.
What happens when the immune system malfunctions.
Allergy and allergic diseases.
Autoimmunity and transplantation.
How one can manipulate the immune system.
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student shall be able to:
Describe the cells and organs of the immune system
Present the structure and function of key molecules of the immune system such as the immunoglobulins, the major histocompatibility complex, T cell receptors, cytokines and others
Show detailed understanding of the innate and aquired immunity
Discuss immunogenicity of different antigens, antigen recognition and antigen processing and presentation
Explain major processes in immunology such as
T-cell activation, maturation, and differentiation
Generation of the humoral immune response
Cell-mediated immunity
The action and regulation of the complement system
Show fundamental understanding of various disease conditions such as autoimmunity, allergy, hypersensitive reactions, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases
Describe the basis for vaccination and the challenges of transplantation
Combine the knowledge of each addressed principle and be able to reason and discuss how to design a vaccine.
In theory design an experiment to produce monoclonal antibodies with desired specificity
Preparations before course start
Literature
Lecture handouts and the following texbook: "The Immune System" by Peter Parham (6th or earlier editions)
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
TEN1 - Written exam, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Ethical approach
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
