Class Immunology

Immunology, in addition to being a basic discipline in university education in Health courses, is central to Pharmaceutical Sciences. To understand the development and performance of vaccines, immunomodulatory drugs and immunotherapies, it is necessary for students to understand the fundamentals of the immune response and the pathologies resulting from its dysfunction. This course allows students to develop practical and analytical skills, which are very useful in the job market, master's and doctoral courses, chemical-pharmaceutical research, pathology and diagnostic laboratories, clinical trials, among others. In addition, obtaining, using, and interpreting data, along with problem solving, are crucial components of this course. The active participation of students during the seminars will certainly develop their methodological skills in the context of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Immunology.  

Not applicable

Introduction to Immunology and Innate Immunity History of immunology, importance and basic concepts Organs, cells, receptors and molecules that are fundamental to the functioning of the immune system Innate immunity and inflammation: The Complement System. The inflammatory reaction and the establishment of the adaptive immune response   Adaptive immunity Antigen and MHC receptors: Organization and expression of lymphocyte receptor genes The Major Histocompatibility Complex and antigen presentation Development of T cells and B cells Activation, differentiation, and memory generation Antibody- and cell-mediated immunology   The immune system in health and disease Allergies, hypersensitivities, and chronic inflammation Tolerance, autoimmunity and transplantation Infectious diseases and vaccines Cancer immunology  

To enhance student engagement in theoretical classes, a set of strategies will be implemented to increase involvement and the perceived relevance of the content, such as the introduction of interactive activities, case studies, and formative assessment moments throughout the sessions. In addition, practical examples with clinical and pharmacological applications will be used to bridge the gap between theory and the students’ future professional reality. These measures aim to create a more dynamic and participatory environment, encouraging regular attendance and sustained interest in the subject. In the practical component, students will be challenged to create an ImmunoGame, developing educational games based on the course content, thereby promoting active knowledge consolidation and collaborative work. These strategies are expected to foster continuous motivation and deeper learning throughout the course.

Janeway, CA., Murphy, KM., Weaver, C., Berg, LJ. (2022). Immunobiology (10th ed.). WW Norton & Company. Goldsby, RA., Kindt, TJ., & Osborne, BA. (2019). Kuby Immunology (9th ed.). WH. Freeman & Company. Rich, RR., Fleisher, TA., Schroeder Jr., HW., Weyand, CM., Corry, DB., & Puck, JM. (2022). Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice (6th ed.). Elsevier. Abbas, AK., Lichtman, AH., & Pillai, S. (2025). Cellular and Molecular Immunology (11th ed.). Elsevier. Arosa, FA., Cardoso, EM., & Pacheco, FC. (2012). Fundamentos de Imunologia (2ª ed.). Lidel.