Class Immunology

Immunology, in addition to being a foundational subject in university health courses, is central to Nutrition courses. The objective of the Immunology course unit is to provide greater and better knowledge about the role of the immune system both as a system that can prevent diseases and as a system that can cause them. This course unit allows students to develop practical and analytical skills that are very useful in the job market, such as in the fields of immunonutrition, master's and doctoral courses, research, clinical trials, among others. Furthermore, the acquisition, use, and interpretation of data, along with problem-solving, are crucial components of this course unit. Active participation by students during seminars will certainly develop their methodological skills in the context of Nutrition and Immunology.

Not applicable

Theoretical Component     Introduction to Immunology and Innate Immunity History and fundamental concepts of immunology. Organs, cells, receptors, and molecules of the immune system. Innate immunity, the complement system, inflammation, and the induction of the adaptive immune response.   Adaptive Immunity Antigen receptors, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), and antigen presentation. Organization of lymphocyte receptor genes. Development, activation, differentiation, and memory of T and B cells. Antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immunity.   The Immune System in Health and Disease Allergies, hypersensitivity reactions, chronic inflammation, infectious diseases, and vaccines. Immunonutrition     Theoretical-Practical and Laboratory Component     *    Immune system cells | Cell isolation and counting | Flow cytometry | Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) | Fluorescence immunocytochemistry     ImmunoGame Development of an educational game based on the course contents.

To improve student participation in theoretical classes, a set of strategies will be implemented to increase engagement and enhance the perceived relevance of the course content, including interactive activities, case studies, and formative assessment opportunities throughout the classes. In addition, practical examples with clinical and nutritional applications will be used to bridge the gap between theory and professional practice. These measures are expected to foster a more dynamic and participatory learning environment, encouraging regular attendance and sustained interest in the course. In the practical component, students will be challenged to develop educational ImmunoGame projects based on the course contents, promoting the active consolidation of knowledge and collaborative learning. Through these initiatives, a more engaging and interactive learning experience is expected to be achieved.  

Abbas, A. K., & Lichtman, A. H. (2021). Cellular and molecular immunology (10th ed.). Elsevier. Arosa, F. A., Cardoso, E. M., & Pacheco, F. C. (2014). Fundamentos de imunologia (2.ª ed.). Lidel. Goldsby, R. A., Kindt, T. J., Osborne, B. A., & Kuby, J. (2018). Kuby immunology (8th ed.). W. H. Freeman and Company. Janeway, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., & Shlomchik, M. J. (2022). Janeway's immunobiology (10th ed.). Garland Science. Rich, R. R., Fleisher, T. A., Shearer, W. T., Schroeder, H. W., Frew, A. J., & Weyand, C. M. (2019). Clinical immunology: Principles and practice (5th ed.). Elsevier.