Module Description: The immunological content of this module develops an understanding of the role of the immune system in allograft rejection. It includes material on transplant rejection mechanisms, immunosuppressive therapies and pregnancy viewed as a scenario where a semi-allograft must be tolerated. The Transfusion Science aspect of this module will develop understanding of the key clinically significant blood group systems, Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and New-born HDFN, Haemolytic Transfusion Reactions HTR and Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia. It will also develop pre-transfusion testing knowledge and skills.
Module Aim: This module expands on the information presented in the ‘Molecular Immunology’ module of stage 2. The content will provide the student with detailed information on the mechanisms of graft rejection, immunotherapies used to treat transplant patients and the functioning of the immune system in pregnancy. The module will also give the student a detailed knowledge of the ABO, Rh, K, Fy, Jk, MNS, Le, Ii and P1 blood group systems. Students will develop learning of the pathophysiology of HDFN and AIHA. Students will deepen their knowledge of the antigen/antibody reaction in transfusion science. Finally, the course will develop their knowledge of pre-transfusion testing principles and practice.
Transplantation
The mechanisms of hyperacute, acute and chronic rejection. The graft versus host (GVH) reactions in GVH disease (GVHD). The immune system in pregnancy: What can it tell us about suppression of allorecognition?
Immune modulation
The mechanism of action of immunomodulatory drugs that suppress alloreactions.
Cytokines and T helper subsets
The role of cytokines in orchestrating immune responses. The different types of T helper responses and how they impact upon health including transplant rejection.
Laboratory programme
Flow cytometry
Immunohistochemical analysis of markers of graft rejection
Case studies
Blood Group Antigens and Serology.
The physiological role of red cell membrane structures as transporters, receptors, channels, enzymes and complement control proteins.
Blood group genetics and molecular biology.
Antigen antibody reactions and the physico-chemical properties of their interaction. The role of complement.
ABO Rh, K, Fy, Jk, Le, Ii, P1 and MNS blood group systems.
HDFN, and AIHA.
The selection and provision of red cell products and guidelines for pre-transfusion serology testing.
Practical programme.
Blood grouping for ABO, Rhesus and other major blood group antigens.
Screening for the presence of unexpected blood group antibodies.
Identification of these antibodies.
Use of supplementary techniques for the resolution of antibody specificity.
Crossmatching
Lecture series
Immunology TransplantationThe mechanisms of hyperacute, acute and chronic rejection. The graft versus host (GVH) reactions in GVH disease (GVHD). The immune system in pregnancy: What can it tell us about suppression of allorecognition?Immune modulationThe mechanism of action of immunomodulatory drugs that suppress alloreactions.Cytokines and T helper subsetsThe role of cytokines in orchestrating immune responses. The different types of T helper responses and how they impact upon health including transplant rejection.TransfusionBlood Group Antigens and Serology.The physiological role of red cell membrane structures as transporters, receptors, channels, enzymes and complement control proteins.Blood group genetics and molecular biology.Antigen antibody reactions and the physico-chemical properties of their interaction. The role of complement.ABO Rh, K, Fy, Jk, Le, Ii, P1 and MNS blood group systems.HDFN, and AIHA.The selection and provision of red cell products and guidelines for pre-transfusion serology testing.
Practical programme
Immunology laboratory programmeFlow cytometryIHCCase studiesTransfusion laboratory programme.Blood grouping for ABO, Rhesus and other major blood group antigens.Screening for the presence of unexpected blood group antibodies.Identification of these antibodies.Use of supplementary techniques for the resolution of antibody specificity.Crossmatching
Lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops, student-directed learning and on-line education. Attendance at laboratory practical sessions is mandatory.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |