Lecture 1b: Introduction to Immunology
UCSD Extension School: Applied Immunology (BIOL-40371) Spring Quarter 2021 This first lecture for the class provides a history of immunology as a field of scientific study, the evolutionary purpose of the immune system, and conceptual goals of a successful immune response. All figures are either from Janeway’s Immunobiology (9th ed.) where noted, or her own original figures.
Evolution and Impact of Immunology: A Deep Dive into the Immune System
In this lecture, we will explore the fascinating history and evolution of immunology, from its early roots in ancient Greece to its modern-day applications in medicine. We will discuss the five key goals of a successful immune response, and how vaccines, immunotherapy, and other treatments harness the power of the immune system to fight disease.
Here are some of the topics we will cover:
- The history of immunology: from Thucydides’ observations of plagues to Edward Jenner’s breakthrough discovery of vaccination
- The five key goals of a successful immune response: recognition, activation, effector mechanisms, inflammation resolution, and immunological memory
- The impact of immunology on medicine: vaccines, immunotherapy, and cancer treatment
- The future of immunology: how we can use our understanding of the immune system to develop new treatments for diseases
This lecture is essential for anyone who wants to learn more about the immune system and its role in health and disease. It is also a great resource for students, researchers, and healthcare professionals who want to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in immunology.