An Update on Basic Concepts of Immunity

Author: Margaret Reinhart MS, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewers: Laurie Bjerklie, M.A., MLS(ASCP)CM and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - General (Serology/Immunology): 1 hour(s)

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This course is designed to give a brief overview of basic immune processes, with a focus on some of the more recently discovered concepts. Although clinical applications will be mentioned in some cases, it is intended primarily for those who wish to refresh or update their basic immunology knowledge.

Objectives

  • Review the names of the major immune cells and their general roles.
  • Define and differentiate the Adaptive Immune Response and the Innate Immune Response, and give a general overview of how they work together.
  • Compare and contrast the function and structure of some of the most important immune receptors.
  • Review the formation of the innate immune cells and describe some of the major innate immune processes.
  • Review the formation of the major adaptive immune cells, and describe some of the adaptive immune processes.
  • Give examples of some laboratory tests that are based on concepts described in this course.

Course Outline

  • The Major Immune Cells and their Basic Roles
    • Overview of Immune Cell Formation (Hematopoiesis)
      • Formation of Immune Cells
    • Immune Cells Seen in the Peripheral Blood
      • Immune Cells Seen in a Blood Smear
    • Immune Cells Not Typically Seen in the Peripheral Blood
      • Immune Cells Seldom or Never Seen in Blood Smear
      • Match the following description with the corresponding cell.
    • Two Major Categories of Immunity: Innate Immunity and Adaptive Immunity
      • Description of Innate and Adaptive Immunity
    • Innate Immunity
      • Components of Innate Immune System
      • Match the following term with the correct role or definition.
      • NK Cells
      • Complement
      • Toll-like Receptors
      • The following are all functions of natural killer cells (NK cells) except:
      • The "a" or anaphylatoxin components of complement protein cleavage are responsible for:
      • Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) recognize:
    • Adaptive Immunity: B Cells
      • Hallmarks of Adaptive Immunity
      • B Lymphocytes and B Lymphocyte Receptors
      • B Lymphocyte Development
      • This matching question is based on the structure and function of the B cell immunoglobulin receptor.
      • Function of B Lymphocytes
      • Match the antibody class with the function.
      • T Helper cells help activate B cells by:
    • Adaptive Immunity: T Cells
      • T Lymphocytes and T Lymphocyte Receptors
      • There are ______ classes of T cell receptors and ______ types of T cells.
      • MHC Antigens and the HLA Locus
      • MHC Antigens: Processing and Presenting
      • Match the description with the correct molecule.
      • Development of T Cells
      • Activation and Function of T Helper Cells (Th)
      • Activation and Function of CD8 Cytotoxic T Cells
      • All of the following are true about both B cell and T cell development except:
      • Match the function with the type of T cell.
    • Application of Concepts to Laboratory Testing
      • Testing For Diseases of the Immune System
        • Autoimmune Diseases
        • Testing for Autoimmune Disease
        • The gold standard for antinuclear autoimmune testing is
        • Immunodeficiencies
        • Testing for Immunodeficiencies
      • Using Immune Principles as a Technique in Other Laboratory Testing
        • Other Laboratory Testing
      • References
        • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP) is the MLS Program Director and Senior lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, where she teaches hematology, clinical immunology, parasitology, and other related courses. She is also an adjunct instructor in Hematology at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. She holds a Master's Degree in Biology and Health Care Administration.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.  
Reviewer Information: 
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM is currently an Education Developer for MediaLab by Vastian. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.