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Malgorzata (Maggie) Trela and Sophie Rutschmann

In this course, you will explore the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. You will examine in detail the potential causes and factors behind an overactive immune system and the disorders that might ensue if the response is not adequately controlled. you will also analyse the effects of overactive immune response in transplant rejection.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to autoimmunity
Autoimmunity, characterised by self-aggression by the immune system, is a series of highly complex and multifactorial conditions which result from uncontrolled immune responses. In module one, you will explore the mechanisms involved in autoimmunity, investigate autoimmune disease types and discuss novel treatments.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
In the company of our world-wide expert, module two will present a common autoimmune condition, systemic lupus erythematosus in more details. Together, you will explore the causes and risks factors at the origin of the condition, you will focus on the immune origins of the diseases and touch on the impact of environmental factors.
Haematological autoimmune conditions
In module three, you will explore two autoimmune conditions affecting specific blood components. Using these two conditions, our expert will illustrate their causative immune dysregulation, their pathogenesis, and current treatment strategies. Finally, the course will illustrate additional autoimmune blood condition and detail their immunological cause.
Asthma and allergic reactions
Asthma and allergic diseases constitute the most common chronic inflammatory disorders, particularly in children, with constantly increasing prevalence in Westernised countries. Module four will explore these complex conditions. The interactions between genetic and environmental factors as well as the involvement of immune players, notably the cells subsets that are involved, and the research that is being conducted to develop novel treatment strategies.
Antibody-mediated transplant rejection
Module 5, last one in this course, will focus on transplantation and the role of the immune system in this life-saving intervention. By exploring the involvement of both innate and adaptive immune cells and molecules, your will ultimately better understand the therapeutic measures taken to ultimately prevent graft rejection.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the interaction between genetics and environmental factors, making this course highly relevant to understanding health disparities
Introduces the potential causes and factors behind an overactive immune system, providing valuable insights for health practitioners
Includes a comprehensive analysis of the effects of an overactive immune response in transplant rejection, expanding knowledge in the field of transplant medicine
Provides a detailed examination of the immune origins of diseases, making this course highly relevant to understanding disease mechanisms
Covers a wide range of autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus and haematological autoimmune conditions, providing comprehensive knowledge

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Immunology: Autoimmunity, Allergy, and Transplants with these activities:
Review Basic Immunology Concepts
Strengthen your foundation in immunology fundamentals before starting the course.
Browse courses on Immunology
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  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous immunology courses.
  • Go over the introductory chapters of a basic immunology textbook or online resource.
Explore the National Institute of Health's (NIH) Immunology Tutorials
Reinforce your understanding of immunology fundamentals.
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  • Access the NIH Immunology Tutorials website.
  • Select a module that covers a topic you want to review.
  • Follow the interactive tutorials and complete the quizzes.
Review: Janeway's Immunobiology
Refresh your fundamental immunology knowledge and build a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
  • Gather a copy of Janeway's Immunobiology.
  • Review chapters 1-5, focusing on the basic concepts of immunology.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Five other activities
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Organize Course Notes and Materials
Stay organized and improve your ability to locate information quickly.
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  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for the course.
  • Regularly update your notes and materials after each lecture or study session.
  • Use a consistent naming convention for your files and folders.
Participate in Immunology Study Groups
Engage with peers to clarify concepts, share perspectives, and enhance understanding.
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  • Organize or join a study group with classmates.
  • Discuss course topics, review materials, and work on practice problems together.
  • Take turns explaining concepts and providing feedback to each other.
Solve Immunology Practice Problems from Khan Academy
Test your understanding of immunology concepts and prepare for assessments.
Browse courses on Immunology
Show steps
  • Go to the Khan Academy Immunology Practice Problems page.
  • Select a set of problems that cover a specific topic.
  • Solve the problems and review the explanations.
Create an Infographic on Autoimmune Disorders
Deepen your understanding and enhance knowledge retention by creating visual aids.
Browse courses on Immunology
Show steps
  • Gather information about autoimmune disorders from reputable sources.
  • Choose a visually appealing design template.
  • Use clear and concise language to present the information.
  • Share your infographic with classmates or online communities.
Contribute to Open Source Immunology Projects
Gain practical experience and contribute to the immunology knowledge base.
Browse courses on Immunology
Show steps
  • Identify open source immunology projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
  • Contact the project maintainers to express your interest and propose your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Immunology: Autoimmunity, Allergy, and Transplants will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Allergist
An Allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and related conditions. Understanding immunology is important for Allergists because allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to a substance that is usually harmless. This course delves into the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and transplants, which can help Allergists better understand the immune system and develop more effective treatments for their patients.
Clinical Immunologist
Clinical Immunologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the immune system. This course covers the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and hyper-responsive phenomena such as asthma, which can provide Clinical Immunologists with a deeper understanding of the immune system and its role in various diseases.
Immunologist
Immunologists study the immune system and its role in health and disease. Understanding the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma, is essential for Immunologists. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these topics, which can help Immunologists develop new strategies for preventing and treating immune-mediated disorders.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Microbiologists understand how microorganisms interact with the immune system and contribute to the development of immune-mediated disorders.
Pathologist
Pathologists study the causes and effects of disease. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Pathologists better understand the underlying mechanisms of these disorders and develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on the body. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Pharmacologists develop new drugs to treat these disorders and improve patient outcomes.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Physician Assistants better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders and provide more informed care to their patients.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Registered Nurses better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders and provide more informed care to their patients.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Research Scientists develop new treatments and therapies for these disorders.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Science Writers accurately and effectively convey information about these disorders to the general public.
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Teachers develop lesson plans and materials that effectively teach students about these disorders.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create technical documentation, such as manuals and reports. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Technical Writers create accurate and informative documentation about these disorders.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians care for the health and well-being of animals. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge can help Veterinarians better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders and provide more informed care to their animal patients.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge may be helpful for Web Developers who want to create websites that provide information and support to people with these disorders.
Writer
Writers create written content, such as articles, books, and scripts. This course explores the mechanisms and immune responses involved in autoimmune diseases and in hyper-responsive phenomena, such as asthma. This knowledge may be helpful for Writers who want to write about these topics in a clear and informative way.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Immunology: Autoimmunity, Allergy, and Transplants.
A comprehensive textbook that provides a solid foundation in immunology, covering the fundamental concepts and the latest advances in the field.
Another widely used textbook that offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of immunology, with a focus on the molecular and cellular basis of immune responses.
A classic textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of immunology, with a focus on the principles and concepts of the field.
A well-written textbook that provides a clear and concise overview of immunology, covering the basic functions and disorders of the immune system.

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