Immunology is the study of the immune system. The immune system is the parts of the body which work against infection and parasitism by other living things. Immunology deals with the working of the immune system in health and diseases, and with malfunctions of the immune system.

An immune system is present in all plants and animals. We know this because biologists have found genes coding for toll-like receptors in many different metazoans.[1] These toll-like receptors can recognise bacteria as 'foreign', and are the starting-point for immune reactions. The type of immunity which is triggered by the toll-like receptors is called innate immunity. This is because it is entirely inherited in our genome, and is fully working as soon as our tissues and organs are properly developed.

Vertebrates, and only vertebrates, have a second type of immunity. This is called adaptive immunity, because it 'remembers' previous infections. Then, if the same infection occurs again, the reaction is much stronger and faster. This immunological memory "confers a tremendous survival advantage" and with it vertebrates "can survive over a long lifetime in a pathogen-filled environment".[1]

The innate immune system is usually means all of the cells and systems that does not have to be exposed to a particular pathogen before they can work.

Innate immunity starts with the skin, which is an excellent barrier to infection.

The adaptive immune system includes cells and systems that do require previous exposure to a pathogen. It explains the unique ability of the mammalian immune system to remember previous infections and mount a rapid and robust reaction to secondary infections. This immunological memory is due to the biology of T-cells and B-cells.

Vaccines boost the acquired immune system by offering weak forms of infection that the body can fight off. The system remembers how to do it again when a stronger infection happens. If the vaccine works, the body can then fight off a serious infection.

The distribution of vaccines and other immune system affecting cures can be considered another level of acquired immune system, one governed by access to vaccination and medicine in general. The intersection of this with the spread of disease (as studied in epidemiology) is part of the field of public health.

Errors of the immune system may cause damage. In autoimmune diseases, the body attacks parts of itself because the system mistakes some parts of the body as 'foreign'. Some kinds of arthritis are caused this way.

Sometimes serious pathogens slip in because their surface is disguised as something the host cell walls can accept. That is how viruses work. Once inside a cell, their genetic material controls the cell. Infections like HIV get in this way, and then attack cells which are the basis of the immune system. Artificial means are often used to restore immune system function in an HIV-challenged body, and prevent the onset of AIDS. This is one of the most complex issues in immunology as it involves every level of that system. This research during the 1980s and 1990s radically changed the view of the human immune system and its functions and integration in the human body.

Immunology is a science that examines the structure and function of the immune system. It originates from medicine and early studies on the causes of immunity to disease. The earliest known mention of immunity was during the plague of Athens in 430 BC. Thucydides (460395 BC) noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of some diseases could nurse the sick without contracting the illness a second time.[2]

In the 18th century, Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis made experiments with scorpion venom and observed that certain dogs and mice were immune to this venom.[3] This and other observations of acquired immunity led to Louis Pasteur (18221895) developing vaccination and the germ theory of disease.[4] Pasteur's theory was in direct opposition to contemporary theories of disease, such as the miasma theory. It was not until the proofs Robert Koch (18431910) published in 1891 (for which he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1905) that microorganisms were confirmed as the cause of infectious disease.[5] Viruses were confirmed as human pathogens in 1901, when the yellow fever virus was discovered by Walter Reed (18511902).[6]

Immunology made a great advance towards the end of the 19th century, through rapid developments, in the study of humoral immunity[7] and cellular immunity.[8] Particularly important was the work of Paul Ehrlich (18541915), who proposed the side-chain theory to explain the specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction. The Nobel Prize for 1908 was jointly awarded to Ehrlich and the founder of cellular immunology, Ilya Mechnikov (18451916).[9]

The simplest form of immunity is the DNA restriction system in bacteria that prevents infection by bacteriophages.

Read the original post:
Immunology - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What are immunology and serology?

Immunology is the study of the body's immune system and its functions and disorders. Serology is the study of blood serum (the clear fluid that separates when blood clots).

Immunology and serology laboratories focus on the following:

Identifying antibodies. These are proteins made by a type of white blood cell in response to a foreign substance (antigen) in the body.

Investigating problems with the immune system. These include when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues (autoimmune diseases) and when a body's immune system is underactive (immunodeficiency disorders).

Determining organ,tissue, and fluidcompatibility for transplantation

Test

Uses

Immunoglobulins

These are proteins in the body that have antibody activity.Excessive amounts of these proteinsmay be caused by a variety of conditions including infection, autoimmune disorders, cancers, and chronic diseases. A lack of these proteins may be caused by many conditions including cancers, medicines, and chronic diseases

Rheumatoid factor

Used tohelp classify arthritis and diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Other tests are often used as well to classify and determine types of arthritis.

HLA (human leukocyte antigens) typing

Tested todetermine compatibility in organ, tissue, and bone marrowtransplantation. Also tested to determine paternity, and to diagnose HLA-related disorders such as certain autoimmune conditions.

Visit link:
Immunology and Serology | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library

Immunology is the study of the immune system, which is the body's natural defense against infection. Our Immunology team diagnoses and treats both children and adults who have primary immune deficiency disorders (PIDDs). There are more than 140 of these complex conditions. People with PIDDs are born with immune systems that are not working properly or that are missing needed parts. This makes them more open to serious infection and illness.

Seattle Childrens is one of the few places in the world where doctors are both carrying out research and providing treatment for primary immune deficiency disorders. Our experts in immunology are known around the world for their research into new ways to diagnose, treat and cure PIDDs. This allows us to use what we learn to provide the most advanced care for people with PIDDs. We work closely with theFred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centerand theSeattle Cancer Care Allianceto coordinate care for our patients who needbone marrow transplants. Ourlaboratoryoffers the newest and most thorough testing to identify these disorders and their causes.

See the rest here:
Immunology - seattlechildrens.org

Welcome!

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology at The University of Iowa was organized in 1993 as a group to bring together faculty from five departments that share a common interest in teaching students and performing research in Immunobiology. The Program offers classroom and research training leading to a Ph.D. degree which will prepare the student for a career in academic research, industry, or teaching. The learning experience is enhanced by an outstanding seminar series and journal clubs at which the most current immunology research is discussed. Approximately six students are admitted each year, with financial aid available to all those entering the Immunology PhD Program. For additional information or to request an application, contact the Program administration. The program is funded by NIH "Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology" NIAID T32 AI007485.

Original post:
Immunology Graduate Program

Immunology is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, an administrative unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical PhD activities at the Longwood Medical Area. Students who study in Immunology receive a PhD in medical sciences.Prospective students apply throughGSAS; in the online application, select Division of Medical Sciences as your program choiceand select "Immunology" in the Area of Study menu.

The PhD Program in Immunology educates scientists in investigative and academic medicine, preparing them to contribute to immunological research with a full awareness of the potential impact of immunology. The program combines an education in basic biology, a sophisticated training in immunology, and exposure to the immunological and non-immunological problems of disease. It has become the model of an integrated educational program in a growing discipline that now spans several of the classical fields of medical biology (microbiology, genetics, pathology, clinical medicine, and biochemistry, for example).

MORE INFO

See more here:
Immunology | Harvard University - The Graduate School of Arts ...

Enter your email address below. If your address has been previously registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password. If you don't receive an email, you should register as a new user

Please check your email for your password reset instructions.

Link:
Current Protocols in Immunology - Wiley Online Library

Immunology Program Guide

MERGE-INF is specifically designed to provide strong training in basic molecular and cellular immunology, the immunology of chronic diseases, as well as in-depth knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases including infections. We integrate clinical studies and patient contact throughout the training period.

The realization on the part of the scientific and medical communities that inflammation plays a role in many diseases, causing substantial morbidity and contributing to mortality, has fundamentally changed how we think about pathogenesis. Inflammation is directly involved in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimers disease, cancer, stroke and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, unipolar and bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Importantly, inflammation is involved in at least 8 of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States today. Given the prevalence of inflammation in the human population, it is clear that research in inflammatory disease and related mechanisms should be a major scientific and medical priority.

The faculty of the Immunology Program is drawn from multiple departments, including Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Medicine, and Molecular Biology & Microbiology. This diversity is a distinct strength of the Program, as it assures the student broad exposure to research topics and approaches. It also maximizes opportunities for a student to find a research faculty advisor to serve as thesis mentor. Students begin the program in the summer with introductory courses and by pairing with clinical mentors that provide direct contact with patients, their diseases and their physicians. This is a critical part of developing translational research approaches to health-related research. Five or six cases are examined in detail and include a variety of diseases, such as endocarditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis, scleroderma and asthma. An associated problem-based learning course provides interactive training in the analysis of pathogenesis.

During the first academic year students complete an Introductory course in immunology, biochemistry, advanced cellular immunology, signaling in cells of the immune system and the genetic analysis of immune responses. Beyond the first-year Introduction to Immunology and Biochemistry courses, all courses are based on primary sources and are taught as interactive tutorials. Interactive workshops in data analysis and informatics are part of the training. Training in fellowship grant writing is provided. Students are required to participate in classroom teaching for one semester.

Students complete four laboratory rotations in year one. These introduce the student to hands-on experience in a variety of techniques and research problems and familiarize them with potential thesis laboratories. Because of the flexibility designed into the program, a student may alter career objectives after admission.

The Immunology Program aims to provide a supportive environment that helps each student realize his or her fullest potential. Students are encouraged to work hard, be creative and have the confidence to be exploratory, yet at the same time to understand that science flourishes in an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration.

We are looking for students with a curiosity-driven passion for research and the ability to perform laboratory-based experiments. The Immunology Program is dedicated to the premise that a diverse student body enriches the educational experience of all.

After a summer that introduces clinical aspect of inflammation and pathogenesis first year students become thoroughly immersed in immunology through foundation and advanced courses in the discipline. They also participate in journal club, seminars and research workshops, in addition to completing four laboratory rotations.

An unusual feature of this program is that students take their qualifying examination at the end of the first year, allowing them to concentrate on their thesis research going forward. The exam consists of a written research proposal and its oral defense. The purpose of this examination is to test the ability of the student to create and critically test hypotheses. A unique feature of our exam is that students are mentored by faculty to learn how real proposals are developed. Upon successful completion of the first year courses and the qualifying examination, students select a research mentor and begin their thesis work.

Thesis research experience is considered the core of a student's training. Students enter their labs at the beginning of year two. Typically, graduates of the Program generate at least two first author papers based on their research. Support to attend national meetings is available.

The Program has a student advisor who acts as an ombudsperson and student advocate.

The thesis research of four most recent PhD graduates illustrate the breadth of the work done by students in the Program:

Elizabeth showed how NEMO (NF-B essential modulator) functions in the T cell receptor activation pathway.

Michelle developed a genetic screen that allowed her to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence factors, in particular, those that counter defense by neutrophils.

Bridget discovered that STING, a known detector of cytoplasmic DNA in macrophages and dendritic cells, is expressed in T cells and regulates their function.

Maria created a three-dimensional model of infection of the human intestine by Cryptosporidium parvum that for the first time allows long-term in vitro propagation of this protozoan parasite.

Read more from the original source:
Immunology | Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences

The Master of Science in Immunology (IMNO) program provides training in various aspects of research related specifically to basic, translational and clinical research in the fields of immunology and inflammatory disease; in particular, the program focuses on research and development relevant to new immunodiagnostics, immunotherapeutics, and vaccines to prevent and/or treat infectious diseases such HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, malaria and many other viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens.

The Immunology program is ideally suited for enhancing the scientific credentials of the following groups:

If you prefer an online learning experience, you can still earn a Drexel master's degree in the field of immunology. The online Master of Science in Immunology program features the same curriculum, flexibility, course content, and instructors as the traditional, face-to-face degree program.

Learn more about the online Master of Science in Immunology program!

We offer online open houses for prospective students who would like to learn more about the program. View a list of upcoming open houses

The Immunology program is designed to be convenient and flexible to accommodate students. It features:

The program can now also be completed online, with all required courses and many elective courses available.

Foreign applicants who enter the English Language Center (ELC) of Drexel University, who have obtained a baccalaureate degree in the biological or life sciences, may apply for provisional admission to the Master of Science in Immunology program offered by Drexel University College of Medicine. The faculty of the immunology program is working closely with the faculty of the ELC to incorporate programmatically relevant content into the English language instruction program, with the goal of providing essential academic and language skills for optimal preparation for the immunology program. Successful acceptance into the immunology program following provisional admission will be dependent upon fulfilling the academic requirements as defined by ELC.

For acceptance into the Master of Science in Immunology program, the applicant must have completed a four-year biology or chemistry-based BA or BS degree program with undergraduate coursework in biology, microbiology, immunology, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and/or other related subjects. Although a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 is strongly desired, an applicant with a lower cumulative GPA will be considered if other strengths are apparent in the application.

To be considered for acceptance, an applicant must provide the following as part of a complete online application for admission:

Although standardized test scores are not required for admission, official copies of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will be considered if submitted as part of the application.

International applicants (non-United States citizens) must meet the same requirements for admission as students from the United States. In addition to the above requirements, applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language by submitting an acceptable score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Acceptance into the program will be decided by considering the sum of the applicant's undergraduate curriculum, cumulative GPA, GRE/MCAT scores, recommendation letters, and relevant research and professional experience.

Here is the original post:
Master of Science in Immunology - Drexel University College ...

Authorization Policy

By registering for the conference you grant permission to Conference Series LLC Ltd to photograph, film or record and use your name, likeness, image, voice and comments and to publish, reproduce, exhibit, distribute, broadcast, edit and/or digitize the resulting images and materials in publications, advertising materials, or in any other form worldwide without compensation. Taking of photographs and/or videotaping during any session is prohibited. Contact us for any queries.

Go here to read the rest:
Top Immunology Conferences | Immunology Meetings 2019 ...

The Department of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine is a multidisciplinary group of 30 faculty and more than 200 scientists-in-training and staff committed to understanding all aspects of the immune system. Research interests encompass basic mechanisms of immune system development, function, and regulation, and the human immune systems role in health and disease. Two central principles guide research and training: First, that a fundamental understanding of immune mechanisms is the essential foundation for understanding and treating human disease; and second, that scientific research advances most rapidly and effectively when a diverse team of individuals with complementary expertise collaborate in an interactive and supportive environment.

Department faculty are internationally recognized leaders in basic, translational, and computational immunology. Departmental research has established paradigms in immune system organization and mechanisms, including the discovery of the innate immune system, and has revealed new principles underlying human disease and immune disorders, particularly in autoimmunity, inflammation, and cancer.

In 2006, the department created the Section of Human and Translational Immunology (HTI), whose mission is to apply discoveries in immunology to the study of the human immune system and treatment of human disease. HTI is the core of a university-wide Program in Human and Translational Immunology that connects faculty and trainees from more than a dozen departments, and nucleates collaborative work in human immunology and disease among basic, translational, and clinical scientists. HTI conducts its own annual retreat and oversees a seminar series featuring presentations on many aspects of human immunology.

The majority of immunobiology faculty work in The Anlyan Center (TAC) and many of the other laboratories are located nearby, particularly in the Amistad and 300 George Street buildings. The department is currently led by David Schatz, who has been chairperson since 2016, and vice-chairs Akiko Iwasaki and Jordan Pober.

Training in Immunobiology

The Department of Immunobiology provides a highly interdisciplinary, interactive, and collaborative training environment. Trainees at all levelsundergraduates, medical students, graduate students, postdocs, and fellowsoften undertake research training in multiple laboratories, allowing them to meet and work alongside many other scientists and to acquire a variety of technical skills and conceptual expertise to apply to focused problems.

The Yale Immunobiology graduate program is one of the top-ranked programs in the country, and draws its students from Yales Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) and MD-PhD programs. Graduate students study fundamental principles of basic and human immunology and conduct an independent research project that forms the basis of a PhD thesis and also typically leads to multiple journal publications. Students receive research and career mentoring from many sources, including faculty advisors and PhD thesis committees. Postdocs also have access to courses and training in scientific presentation and career development. In addition, all trainees present their work in a Research in Progress seminar series, participate in annual retreats, and attend seminars at which the research of outside experts or fellow trainees is presented and critiqued. Trainees also have at their disposal the considerable intellectual resources of Yale University.

More

Here is the original post:
Home > Immunobiology | Yale School of Medicine