Immunology: Innate Immune System from Coursera

Our immune system relies on an innate and an adaptive arm that communicate and collaborate to provide us with an optimal response against pathogens. This course focuses on our innate immunity which provides us our first, fast and inherited defence against infections.

In this course, you will take a closer look at the mechanisms and cellular components involved in this swift response that occurs within minutes of exposure to a threat. Throughout the course, and guided by our active researchers, you will have opportunities to recognise its key protective mechanisms and to explain their importance for our overall health. You will learn about the mechanisms it uses to inform our adaptive immune system of the presence of a threat, and understand how some environmental factors, such as our own internal microbiome, influences it. Finally, you will have opportunities to reflect on current related issues and controversies in this fascinating field of research.

What's inside

Syllabus

Components of the innate immune system

In module one, we will explore the main component of the innate immune system. We will start by looking at the surfaces that are first exposed to potential pathogens and how they prevent most pathogens from entering our body. We will then learn about our main innate protective mechanisms and discuss how this inherited system is able to recognise and combat infection. By the end of this module, learners will be able to describe these actors and mechanisms in detail.

The complement system

In module two, we will explore a key soluble component of our innate immune system: the complement. We will learn about its main components, how it gets activated by pathogens and how the outcome leads to pathogens destruction. We will also explore how the complement system contributes to other innate immune activities, such as phagocytosis, that is the uptake of microorganisms by immune cell for destruction.

Programming of innate immunity by the microbiota

In module three, we will investigate how our microbiota plays a protective role in our health. We will first define the human microbiome in more details and explore its influence on various common pathologies such as asthma, diabetes or cancer. The module ends on an opportunity for learners to reflect and share with others on the effects of pro-biotics on our health.

Antigen processing - MHC Class I and Class II

In module four, we will understand how the innate system communicates with the adaptive immune cells. We will explore which cells oversee this essential function and how they capture, digest and present pathogenic molecules to the adaptive immune cells to for their activation. Importantly, we will also investigate how the innate immune response helps this second phase of response to ‘adapt’ to the nature of the infection.

Natural killer cells

In module five, we will look at one example of innate cells, called Natural Killers, that are directly able to destroy infected and tumour cells. We will explore how they interact with other immune cells, how they recognise their target cells and the mechanisms they use to lead to their death. Importantly, we will also discover the mechanisms that prevent their mis-activation to prevent the disastrous destruction of health host cells.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the fundamental role of the immune system in health and disease, providing insight into our body's defense mechanisms

Taught by Malgorzata (Maggie) Trela and Sophie Rutschmann, active researchers in the field, offering authentic perspectives and insights

Provides a foundational understanding of the innate immune system, suitable for beginners in immunology or related fields

Emphasizes the practical implications and applications of this knowledge, making it relevant to healthcare professionals and researchers

Explored through interactive materials and hands-on labs, enhancing student engagement and comprehension

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: Innate Immune System with these activities:

Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams

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Keeping your course materials organized will improve your ability to locate information and enhance your overall learning.

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Gather all your course materials
Sort and categorize them into relevant sections
Store them in a systematic manner for easy retrieval

Review 'Immunology' by Janis Kuby

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Reviewing this reference text will help you familiarize yourself with the general concepts related to immunology and innate immunity.

View Kuby Immunology, Sixth Edition on Amazon

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Read the sections on Innate Immunity
Annotate key concepts and definitions
Create a visual representation (e.g., flowchart) of the main components of innate immunity

Explore the Khan Academy's videos on Innate Immunity

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These tutorials will supplement the course materials by providing a concise and engaging overview of innate immunity.

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Watch the entire series on Innate Immunity
Take notes and highlight key concepts

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Attend a study group to discuss the principles of Innate Immunity

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Engaging in active discussion will help you clarify your understanding and identify areas where you need additional support.

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Join or form a study group
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Prepare questions and share insights to enhance the learning experience for all participants

Review your notes and course materials on Innate Immunity

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It is important to regularly revisit and reinforce what you have learned to improve retention.

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Read through your notes and course materials
Focus on understanding the key concepts and their interconnections

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Solving practice problems will reinforce your understanding of the key concepts and help you develop problem-solving skills.

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Identify practice questions and exercises from textbooks or online resources
Attempt to solve the problems independently
Compare your answers with the provided solutions and identify areas for improvement

Compile a collection of resources on Innate Immunity

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Organizing materials will enhance your knowledge retention and provide a valuable resource for future reference.

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Identify and gather relevant resources such as research papers, articles, and videos
Organize the resources into a coherent collection
Share your compilation with other classmates or make it available online

Prepare a presentation on the role of Innate Immunity in a specific disease

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Teaching a concept to others will solidify your understanding and enhance your communication skills.

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Choose a specific disease related to innate immunity
Research the role of innate immunity in the chosen disease
Develop a clear and concise presentation outlining the key mechanisms and findings
Present your findings to a group or share them online

Career center

Learners who complete Immunology: Innate Immune System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pathologist

Pathologists study the causes and effects of disease. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research institutes. This course may be useful for Pathologists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and research institutes. This course may be useful for Microbiologists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Medical Scientist

Medical Scientists conduct research to understand the causes and treatments of disease. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course may be useful for Medical Scientists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Immunologist

Immunologists study the immune system and how it protects the body from disease. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and research institutes. This course may be useful for Immunologists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to understand the causes and treatments of disease. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on the human body. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, universities, and private companies. This course may be useful for Toxicologists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course may be useful for Physicians who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators plan, organize, and direct the delivery of health care services. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, universities, and private companies. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, schools, and community organizations. This course may be useful for Public Health Educators who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals. They may work in a variety of settings, including private clinics, animal shelters, and zoos. This course may be useful for Veterinarians who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They may work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and colleges and universities. This course may be useful for Teachers who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They may work in a variety of settings, including magazines, newspapers, and online publications. This course may be useful for Science Writers who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They may work in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. This course may be useful for Pharmacists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. They may work in a variety of settings, including private practices, dental clinics, and hospitals. This course may be useful for Dentists who wish to learn more about the innate immune system and its role in protecting the body from infection.

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