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Fundamentals of Immunology: T Cells and Signaling

Approx. 26 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of immunology, with a focus on T-cell signaling. Students will learn about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune system and how they work together to protect the body from disease.

Key Learning Points

Learn the basic principles of immunology and T-cell signaling
Understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune system
Explore the role of T-cells in immunity and disease

Learning Outcomes

Understand the principles of immunology and T-cell signaling
Explain the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune system
Analyze the role of T-cells in immunity and disease

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic background in biology and biochemistry
Familiarity with cell biology and molecular biology

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Introduction to Immunology
Immunology in Health and Disease

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Abul Abbas
Kathryn Wood

Related Books

Description

Course 2 of a three course specialization called Fundamentals of Immunology. Each course in the specialization presents material that builds on the previous course's material.

This is the second half of the journey through the defenses your body uses to keep you healthy. In the first part we learned about innate immunity and B cell function. The second part covers T cell function and coordination of the immune response. Fundamentals of Immunology: T cells and Signaling builds on the first course to describe the functions of Complement, MHC presentation to T cells, T cell development and signaling. The early lectures survey cells, tissues and organs using metaphors, cartoons and models to improve understanding and retention. This course includes the structure of both MHC proteins and T cell receptors and the sources of variation. The course provides animations of gene rearrangement, developmental processes and signal cascades. Testing employs multiple choice questions testing facts, concepts, and application of principles. Questions may refer to diagrams, drawing and photographs used in lecture and reproduced in the outline. What You’ll Learn: How complement uses adaptive and innate triggers to target pathogens. The detailed structure and coding of MHC proteins and both alpha-beta and gamma delta receptors and how these proteins interact to initiate an adaptive immune response. The basics of signaling, and the varieties of external receipt and internal activation pathways. We bine the process of putting together how signals and crosstalk control the activity of the immune system.

Outline

Complement
Welcome
Overview and Terminology
Activation of MAC
Classical Pathway
Alternative Pathway
Lectin Pathway
Endgame and Consequences
Course Study Guide
Pre-Course Survey
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6

The Major Histocompatability Complex
MHC Genes
MHC Haplotypes
Inbreeding
MHC Protein Structure
Specifics of Peptide Binding
MHC Genetic Expression
Non-Classical Alleles
MHC and Disease
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Lesson 8

Antigen Processing and Presentation
T Cell Antigen Recognition
Self-MHC Restriction
The Cytosolic Pathway
The Exogenous Pathway
Variations
Comparisons and Questions
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lecture 3 Practice Quiz

T-Cell Receptors
Early Work
Structure and Roles
T-cell Receptor Genes
Gene Rearrangement: αβ genes
Gene Rearrangement: γδ genes
Diversity and its Constraints
The TCR Receptor Complex
Alloreactivity
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Lesson 8

T-Cell Development
Into the Thymus
Double Negative Transitions
Double Positive Event: Positive Selection
Negative Selection
CD 4+ Varieties
Activation
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6

Cytokines and Signaling
Information Transfer
Fundamental Signals
Contributory Signals
Common Themes in Signaling
Signaling and TH Subsets
Determining the TH Subsets
Clinical Applications
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7

Final
Farewell
End-of-Course Survey

Summary of User Reviews

The Immunology Fundamentals: T Cells and Signaling course on Coursera received positive reviews from learners. Many users appreciated the in-depth explanations of complex topics and the interactive nature of the course.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

In-depth explanations of complex topics

Pros from User Reviews

Interactive course material
Well-organized lectures
Engaging and knowledgeable instructors
Practical applications of concepts
Clear and concise explanations

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical issues with the platform
Occasional lack of clarity in instructions
Limited opportunities for peer interaction
May require prior knowledge of immunology
Some learners felt the course moved too quickly

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