Course: Basic Immunology

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Course title Basic Immunology
Course code KBC/ZH
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course Always in LS
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Slavík Luděk, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
The lecture focuses on the basic knowledge of blood cell biochemistry, focusing on the basic functions of blood cell transport mechanisms - gas transport, cytoskeleton elasticity and the function of enzymes in promoting osmotic ion transport. Gas transport is particularly focused on the key molecule oxygen, where the affinity of different forms of haemoglobin for oxygen transport is explained. At the same time, a comparison with the oxygen transport of myoglobin is given. Erythropoiesis is described from the formation of blood cells in the bone marrow, the contribution of individual enzymes (erythropoietin) to their production, to the destruction of haemoglobin in the liver to form biliverdin and subsequently bilirubin. The released iron is then recycled via transferrin. Failure of these mechanisms then causes erythrocyte haemolysis with the development of haemolytic anaemias. The anemias are described in detail and divided into microcytic hypochromic anemias (Fe deficiency, erythroblasts take longer to mature in the bone marrow - undergoing a greater number of mitotic divisions), macrocytic anemias (vitamin B12 deficiency, acidosis, and deficiency of vitamin B12), and microcytic anemias (deficiency of vitamin B12, acidosis of vitamin B12, acidosis of vitamin B12, and deficiency of vitamin B12, acidosis of vitamin B12, acidosis of vitamin B12, and deficiency of vitamin B12). Erythrocyte metabolism disorders ( production of ATP by anaerobic glycolysis and maintenance of Na+/K+ -ATPase activity, production of reduced form of glutathione (antioxidant). Leukocytes, like other blood cells, are cells of the immune system that protect the body physiologically from infectious diseases. There are several different populations of leukocytes, but they are all produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, including the blood and lymphatic system. The number of leukocytes in the blood is often an indicator of disease. In pathological conditions such as leukemia, both the number of leukocytes is higher than normal, and in leukopenia the number is much lower, but immature forms of cells may also be present in the peripheral circulation. The differential diagnosis of haematological disorders is then based on the characterisation of individual leukocyte populations such as lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils. The scheme of blood clotting is demonstrated by the function of the ssrin proteases forming a specific cascade of reactions. These serine proteases are activated on the phospholipid surfaces of the last blood elements, which are platelets. Each reaction is feedback regulated by inhibitors of blood clotting. Disturbances in the activation of serine proteases usually lead to severe bleeding disorders and, conversely, disturbances in clotting inhibitors lead to thrombotic conditions. Both situations are demonstrated in typical diseases such as haemophilia and thrombophilia.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture
  • Attendace - 26 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Exam - 55 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Getting to know the basic types and functions of blood cells, production and degradation of hemoglobin, the process of blood clotting and pathological conditions, their cause and diagnosis.
After completing the course, students are able to understand the basics of hematology, i.e. they are familiar with the basic types and functions of blood cells, production and degradation of hemoglobin, the process of blood clotting and pathological conditions, their cause and diagnosis.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biochemistry and physiology.

Assessment methods and criteria
Mark, Written exam

Oral examination
Recommended literature
  • Edwards W.S. (2005). Biochemistry and Physiology of the Neutrophil. Cambridge University Press.
  • Marks D. A. Basic Medical Biochemistry a Clinical Approach. Lippincott Willians and Wilkins.
  • Mehta A.B. and Hoffbrand A.V. (2000). Haematology at a glance. Oxford; Malde,n Mass: Blackwell Science.
  • Rodwell, V.W. et al. (2022). Harperś Illustrated Biochemistry (32 vydání). McGrowHill.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Biochemistry (2022) Category: Chemistry courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Analytical Biochemist (2024) Category: Chemistry courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer