The goal of this course entitled “Molecular and Cellular Immunology” is to introduce contemporary Immunology with an emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms. The content of this course covers lymphatic system, immune cells (leukocytes, phagocytes,lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells (APCs),..) and soluble mediators (cytokines, chemokines). The syllabus contains 12 chapters, 4 paper presentation sections, and 2 examinations (mid-term and final). The topic of these 12 chapters includes the introduction of immune system, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, antibody and antigen presentation, antigen receptors and antigen recognition, lymphocyte development, activation and differentiation (B cells and T cells), immune tolerance and cytokines and their functions. “Cellular and Molecular Immunology (6e)”will be used as the textbook in this course. This course also intends to give students some take-home messages focusing on how immune system reacts to and copes with pathogens upon encountering them. Those students who complete this course may understand the cellular and molecular mechanism of contemporary Immunology. The learning progress of students will be evaluated by one quiz, one mid-term exam, four paper presentation sections and one final-term report.
本課程的特色在於以細胞與分子(基因)層次來解釋當代免疫學。內容包括免疫細胞(白血球、吞噬細胞、淋巴球等)及它們的功能。特別是當免疫細胞遇到病原體或其抗原，免疫細胞如何進行免疫反應。另一方面，本課程將會介紹淋巴細胞的發育、活化、分化之基因調控及其訊息傳遞。這課程也會介紹常用免疫學的技術，這會有助於修課同學了解免疫學及運用這些技術來研究、診斷、甚至治療疾病。