Immunoparasitology 1400-225IMMP-en

Practical Exercise Topics:
1. Morphology and life cycle of the protozoan Babesia microti. Immunological indicators in the acute and chronic phases of infection.
2. Infection with Acanthamoeba sp. and its consequences for the host. Diagnostic methods, in vitro culture maintenance, and drug resistance testing of amoebae.
3. Trichinella sp.: morphology and life cycle. Localization of parasitic nematodes in host tissues; preparation of somatic nematode antigens for in vitro assays.
4. Determination of lymphoid organ stimulation index in mice. Activation of immune system cells using parasitic antigens (somatic and recombinant antigens).
5. Determination of eosinophil and macrophage activity following stimulation with parasitic antigens. Early-type hypersensitivity: mast cell degranulation assay.
6. Evaluation of antibody levels in the serum of experimental animals. Basic diagnostic assay – ELISA test.
7. Molecular analysis of parasitic antigens: SDS–PAGE and Western blot techniques.
8. Genetic determinants of resistance in different mouse strains (e.g., BALB/c and C57BL/6) during parasitic infections.

Main fields of studies for MISMaP

biology
biotechnology

Type of course

obligatory courses
elective courses
elective monographs

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Immunoparasitology integrates topics from immunology and the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases. The course focuses on the analysis of immune responses to parasites at the cellular and molecular levels, as well as on the genetic determinants of host susceptibility and resistance to infection. It discusses the differences between acute and chronic infections. During the classes, students explore the mechanisms of host defense in parasitic infections caused by Protista and Metazoa, the routes of invasion, and the localization of developmental stages of parasites in relation to the type of induced immune response. The course also covers the immunological aspects of parasite life cycles, virulence mechanisms, and strategies used by parasites to evade host immune responses. In addition, the course discusses parasite antigens and the potential for developing antiparasitic vaccines. During practical exercises, students study the morphology and life cycles of parasites and learn to identify differences in their virulence. They analyze the activation of the murine immune system at the cellular, humoral, and molecular levels. Students independently isolate and identify immunogenic factors of parasitic origin. Furthermore, students gain experience in planning experiments, conducting research, and analyzing and presenting experimental results in both written and multimedia formats.

Course coordinators

Katarzyna Goździk
Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE:
The student knows and understands interactions within the parasite–host system and is able to interpret phenomena at the molecular, individual, and population levels. (S1_W01, S1_W02, S1_U01)
The student knows and understands basic concepts and terminology in the fields of parasitology, immunology, and epidemiology. (S1_U02)
The student knows and understands the principles of operation of laboratory instruments and the methodology used to study immune responses in the parasite–host system. (S1_W04)
The student knows and understands procedures and principles of action in situations of epidemiological threat caused by parasites. (S1_W02, S1_K01)
SKILLS:
The student is able to select appropriate sources of scientific information, critically evaluate and interpret data in the field of immunoparasitology, and communicate or popularize scientific knowledge. (S1_W05, S1_K01, S1_K02)
The student is able to design and conduct research on immunological parameters in hosts under laboratory conditions, supervising the work of a research team. (S1_W03, S1_U03)
The student is able to prepare a research protocol based on experimental data and interpret obtained results. (S1_W02, S1_U01)
SOCIAL COMPETENCE:
The student is ready to act responsibly in situations involving epidemiological risk caused by parasites. (S1_W02, S1_K01)
The student is ready to undertake initiatives that raise public awareness of the importance of epidemiological and parasitological research. (S1_K03, S1_K04)

Assessment criteria

Practical Exercises
The final grade will be based on the following components: performance of laboratory experiments, completion of a scientific project (individual or group), analysis and interpretation of research results, preparation and delivery of a presentation, and participation in the discussion of results.
Passing the practical exercises is a prerequisite for taking the exam.
Examination
The examination is based on lecture material and consists of a written test with 30 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible answers, only one of which is correct.

Bibliography

Books:
1. Immunology: A Short Course, 8th Edition, Richard Coico, ISBN: 978-1-119-55143-0, 2021, Wiley-Blackwell
2. Immunobiology: the immune system in health and disease Charles A. Janeway, 2017, Garland Sciences, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
3. Parasitism: The diversity and ecology of animal parasites. Albert O. Bush, et. al, 2013, Cambridge University Press.
4. Parasitic nematodes: molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology. 2nd Edition, M. W. Kennedy and William Harnett. 2013, CABI Digital Library
5. Parasitic flatworms: molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology and physiology. Ed. by A.G.Maule and N.J. Marks.
Journals:
Trends in Immunology, Cell Press Journal, open access
Trends in Parasitology , Cell Press Journal, open access
Parasite Immunology, Wiley Online Library, open access

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1400-225IMMP-en in USOSweb