Immunology
The study of the immune system of organisms.
This learning framework for undergraduate immunology education was developed as a result of a grassroots effort to address the calls for educational reform noted in the Vision and Change Report (AAAS, 2010). Our working group developed a two-part immunology-focused framework that includes concepts and competencies aligned with Vision and Change. This learning framework was developed through an iterative cycle of reviews and revisions, both within the task force and with community feedback. Educators reviewed the document through surveys, focus groups and interviews. The learning outcomes are included as examples, and instructors may adopt them or come up with their own.
This SLB endorsed framework is approved for use by ImmunoReach.
The 15-member task force that worked to develop this learning framework was led by Dr. Sumali Pandey and includes (alphabetically):
Heather A. Bruns (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Danielle Condry (North Dakota State University), Samantha L. Elliott (St. Mary’s College of Maryland), Louis B. Justement (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Adam Kleinschmit (University of Dubuque), Archana Lal (Labette Community College), Justine Liepkalns (Colorado State University), Philip F. Mixter (Washington State University – Pullman), Sumali Pandey (Minnesota State University Moorhead), Timothy Paustian (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Sarah Sletten (University of North Dakota), Rebecca L. Sparks-Thissen (University of Southern Indiana), Rebekah T. Taylor (Frostburg State University), Thiru Vanniasinkam (Charles Strut University, Australia), and Brian D. Wisenden (Minnesota State University Moorhead).
Download the Immunology Learning Framework
Society for Leukocyte Biology
The Society for Leukocyte Biology (SLB), founded in 1954, is an inclusive community of researchers and clinicians who study the role of leukocytes in the immune response. With an emphasis on supporting members, SLB provides numerous opportunities for career and professional development, volunteer leadership and scientific scholarship. SLB provides mentoring and support to foster the growth of trainees in STEM careers, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. SLB also supports educational efforts to expand immune literacy at all levels.
ImmunoReach
ImmunoReach is a Community of Practice focused on interdisciplinary Immunology education. This grass-roots effort focused on concept and competency-focused immunology education began in 2019, and was officially formalized as an NSF Research Coordination Network for Undergraduate Biology Education in 2021.
Course Editor(s):
Immunology Learning Framework
Society Learning Goals
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Systems: The immune system is an interconnected and coordinated network of macromolecules, cells, tissues, and/or organs within an organism
Layers of inducible and continuously present defense mechanisms resist, reduce, eliminate or tolerate antigens
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe physical and chemical barriers that protect an organism from potential pathogens
- Describe the localized and systemic defenses which a plant uses to minimize the spread of infection
- Describe the role of resident macrophages in immune responses
- Explain the role of complement in initiation and amplification of an immune response
- Describe how dendritic cells bridge communication between innate and adaptive immunity
- Compare and contrast an immune response to a pathogen that has entered via mucosa versus blood
- Explain the cell-surface interactions involved in leukocyte movement from blood to tissues
- Describe the role of CCR7 in the movement of cells within the lymph node
- Compare and contrast the role of M1 and M2 macrophage in an immune response
Immune response involves localized and (if necessary) recruited components
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe physical and chemical barriers that protect an organism from potential pathogens
- Describe the localized and systemic defenses which a plant uses to minimize the spread of infection
- Describe the role of resident macrophages in immune responses
- Explain the role of complement in initiation and amplification of an immune response
- Describe how dendritic cells bridge communication between innate and adaptive immunity
- Compare and contrast an immune response to a pathogen that has entered via mucosa versus blood
- Explain the cell-surface interactions involved in leukocyte movement from blood to tissues
- Describe the role of CCR7 in the movement of cells within the lymph node
- Compare and contrast the role of M1 and M2 macrophage in an immune response
Immune responses are coordinated among non/partially specific and specific, rapidly-responding and slower-responding defenses
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe physical and chemical barriers that protect an organism from potential pathogens
- Describe the localized and systemic defenses which a plant uses to minimize the spread of infection
- Describe the role of resident macrophages in immune responses
- Explain the role of complement in initiation and amplification of an immune response
- Describe how dendritic cells bridge communication between innate and adaptive immunity
- Compare and contrast an immune response to a pathogen that has entered via mucosa versus blood
- Explain the cell-surface interactions involved in leukocyte movement from blood to tissues
- Describe the role of CCR7 in the movement of cells within the lymph node
- Compare and contrast the role of M1 and M2 macrophage in an immune response
Within an organism, the presence of tissue and fluid compartments influence the immune components deployed in a response
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe physical and chemical barriers that protect an organism from potential pathogens
- Describe the localized and systemic defenses which a plant uses to minimize the spread of infection
- Describe the role of resident macrophages in immune responses
- Explain the role of complement in initiation and amplification of an immune response
- Describe how dendritic cells bridge communication between innate and adaptive immunity
- Compare and contrast an immune response to a pathogen that has entered via mucosa versus blood
- Explain the cell-surface interactions involved in leukocyte movement from blood to tissues
- Describe the role of CCR7 in the movement of cells within the lymph node
- Compare and contrast the role of M1 and M2 macrophage in an immune response
Immune system plays a role in defense and repair processes
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe physical and chemical barriers that protect an organism from potential pathogens
- Describe the localized and systemic defenses which a plant uses to minimize the spread of infection
- Describe the role of resident macrophages in immune responses
- Explain the role of complement in initiation and amplification of an immune response
- Describe how dendritic cells bridge communication between innate and adaptive immunity
- Compare and contrast an immune response to a pathogen that has entered via mucosa versus blood
- Explain the cell-surface interactions involved in leukocyte movement from blood to tissues
- Describe the role of CCR7 in the movement of cells within the lymph node
- Compare and contrast the role of M1 and M2 macrophage in an immune response
Systems: Cellular and molecular processes maintain homeostasis of the immune system, and loss of homeostasis may result in a variety of immune-mediated disorders
The mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance prevent immune responses against the host
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how a mutation in AIRE gene can result in an autoimmune disease
- Describe the mechanisms by which a B lymphocyte becomes anergic
- Describe how IL-10 secreting cells regulate overactive immune responses
- Explain how autophagy, proteosomal degradation or nuclease activity can prevent initiation of pro-inflammatory processes
- Explain the role of tissue-resident macrophages in maintaining homeostasis
- Compare and contrast the mechanism of action of different allergy medications, e.g., corticosteroids vs. anti-histamines
- Explain why germ-free animals have a weakened immune response
- Describe changes to the thymic output with age, and its consequences for immune function
- Describe the mechanisms that aging plants use to maintain immune function
- Explain why certain vaccines can be effective when administered to newborn humans but other vaccines must be given at later timepoints
Antigen concentration can be impacted by continually present cellular processes required for homeostasis
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how a mutation in AIRE gene can result in an autoimmune disease
- Describe the mechanisms by which a B lymphocyte becomes anergic
- Describe how IL-10 secreting cells regulate overactive immune responses
- Explain how autophagy, proteosomal degradation or nuclease activity can prevent initiation of pro-inflammatory processes
- Explain the role of tissue-resident macrophages in maintaining homeostasis
- Compare and contrast the mechanism of action of different allergy medications, e.g., corticosteroids vs. anti-histamines
- Explain why germ-free animals have a weakened immune response
- Describe changes to the thymic output with age, and its consequences for immune function
- Describe the mechanisms that aging plants use to maintain immune function
- Explain why certain vaccines can be effective when administered to newborn humans but other vaccines must be given at later timepoints
Homeostasis of the immune system can be altered or restored due to genetic or environmental influence
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how a mutation in AIRE gene can result in an autoimmune disease
- Describe the mechanisms by which a B lymphocyte becomes anergic
- Describe how IL-10 secreting cells regulate overactive immune responses
- Explain how autophagy, proteosomal degradation or nuclease activity can prevent initiation of pro-inflammatory processes
- Explain the role of tissue-resident macrophages in maintaining homeostasis
- Compare and contrast the mechanism of action of different allergy medications, e.g., corticosteroids vs. anti-histamines
- Explain why germ-free animals have a weakened immune response
- Describe changes to the thymic output with age, and its consequences for immune function
- Describe the mechanisms that aging plants use to maintain immune function
- Explain why certain vaccines can be effective when administered to newborn humans but other vaccines must be given at later timepoints
Immune system components change over the lifespan of an organism
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how a mutation in AIRE gene can result in an autoimmune disease
- Describe the mechanisms by which a B lymphocyte becomes anergic
- Describe how IL-10 secreting cells regulate overactive immune responses
- Explain how autophagy, proteosomal degradation or nuclease activity can prevent initiation of pro-inflammatory processes
- Explain the role of tissue-resident macrophages in maintaining homeostasis
- Compare and contrast the mechanism of action of different allergy medications, e.g., corticosteroids vs. anti-histamines
- Explain why germ-free animals have a weakened immune response
- Describe changes to the thymic output with age, and its consequences for immune function
- Describe the mechanisms that aging plants use to maintain immune function
- Explain why certain vaccines can be effective when administered to newborn humans but other vaccines must be given at later timepoints
Systems: Immunological memory plays a critical role in protective immunity
Immunological memory allows for increased levels of immune cells, effector molecules and/or faster response upon re-exposure to the same antigen
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how epigenetic changes may influence the innate immune response upon re-exposure to a pathogen
- Compare the timeline of a primary immune response and a secondary immune response to a pathogen
- Compare the antigen specificity of memory B lymphocytes and naïve cells
- Explain how a vaccine can induce herd immunity within a population
Immunological memory in an individual influences the spread of infection within a population
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how epigenetic changes may influence the innate immune response upon re-exposure to a pathogen
- Compare the timeline of a primary immune response and a secondary immune response to a pathogen
- Compare the antigen specificity of memory B lymphocytes and naïve cells
- Explain how a vaccine can induce herd immunity within a population
Structure and Function: Immune responses are influenced by the presence, location and organization of lymphoid organs/tissues within an organism
Primary and secondary lymphoid tissues have distinct roles in coordinating an immune response
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the impact of spleen, appendix, tonsils or thymus removal on an individual’s immune response
- Draw the migration routes of a naïve and an effector T lymphocyte, with regards to the peripheral lymph node and site of infection
- Label the T cell and B cell zones in the lymph node
Organization within lymphoid organs/tissues influences the deployment of immune cells
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the impact of spleen, appendix, tonsils or thymus removal on an individual’s immune response
- Draw the migration routes of a naïve and an effector T lymphocyte, with regards to the peripheral lymph node and site of infection
- Label the T cell and B cell zones in the lymph node
Structure and Function: Immune cell function is characterized by the presence of macromolecular features
Cell surface, intracellular and/or secreted macromolecules can elucidate immune cell function
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the phenotypic changes that occur in a dendritic cell after antigen capture
- Describe the cytokine profiles that distinguish sub-populations of T-helper cells (e.g., Th-1, Th-2, Th-17 etc.)
- Describe the role of CD4 or CD8 co-receptor in the activation of T lymphocytes
- Distinguish between granulocytes based on staining patterns and granule contents
- Identify cellular sub-populations on a flow cytometry scatter plot
- Discuss how the granule content in neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells relate to their immune function
Immune cell size, shape, and/or granularity can aid in its laboratory identification
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the phenotypic changes that occur in a dendritic cell after antigen capture
- Describe the cytokine profiles that distinguish sub-populations of T-helper cells (e.g., Th-1, Th-2, Th-17 etc.)
- Describe the role of CD4 or CD8 co-receptor in the activation of T lymphocytes
- Distinguish between granulocytes based on staining patterns and granule contents
- Identify cellular sub-populations on a flow cytometry scatter plot
- Discuss how the granule content in neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells relate to their immune function
Structure and Function: Macromolecular interactions influence the outcome of an immune response
A range of antigenic macromolecules can activate a targeted immune response
Sample Learning Objectives- Classify Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) based on their chemical nature (e.g., protein vs. carbohydrate vs. nucleic acids)
- Describe how peptide-binding cleft structure influences the presentation of peptide antigens by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-Class I and II
- Explain how molecular mimicry could result in the development of an autoimmune disorder after exposure to a pathogen
- Illustrate the role of phosphorylation in altering the structure and function of T-Cell Receptor signaling complex
Structural differences in binding domains determine the ability of immune cell receptors to recognize antigens
Sample Learning Objectives- Classify Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) based on their chemical nature (e.g., protein vs. carbohydrate vs. nucleic acids)
- Describe how peptide-binding cleft structure influences the presentation of peptide antigens by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-Class I and II
- Explain how molecular mimicry could result in the development of an autoimmune disorder after exposure to a pathogen
- Illustrate the role of phosphorylation in altering the structure and function of T-Cell Receptor signaling complex
Kinetics and strength of receptor-ligand interactions determine the activation of signaling pathways within an immune cell
Sample Learning Objectives- Classify Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) based on their chemical nature (e.g., protein vs. carbohydrate vs. nucleic acids)
- Describe how peptide-binding cleft structure influences the presentation of peptide antigens by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-Class I and II
- Explain how molecular mimicry could result in the development of an autoimmune disorder after exposure to a pathogen
- Illustrate the role of phosphorylation in altering the structure and function of T-Cell Receptor signaling complex
Information Flow, Exchange and Storage: Antigen recognition and associated cellular signaling result in differential gene expression, which shapes the organism’s targeted immune response
Differential gene expression is driven by recognition of antigenic structure
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare the Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) mediated cell-signaling cascades in response to a viral infection versus a bacterial infection
- Describe the phenotypic changes between naïve and activated CD8+ T lymphocytes
- Describe how macrophages and T-helper lymphocytes cross-talk to maintain an immune response
- Describe the cytokine profiles that are critical for determining M1 versus M2 macrophage
- Describe how immunological synapses concentrate intracellular signals required for immune cell activation
Differential gene expression can change the expression of cell-surface molecules and the secretion of soluble factors
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare the Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) mediated cell-signaling cascades in response to a viral infection versus a bacterial infection
- Describe the phenotypic changes between naïve and activated CD8+ T lymphocytes
- Describe how macrophages and T-helper lymphocytes cross-talk to maintain an immune response
- Describe the cytokine profiles that are critical for determining M1 versus M2 macrophage
- Describe how immunological synapses concentrate intracellular signals required for immune cell activation
Tissue microenvironment can influence gene expression and associated host cell response
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare the Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) mediated cell-signaling cascades in response to a viral infection versus a bacterial infection
- Describe the phenotypic changes between naïve and activated CD8+ T lymphocytes
- Describe how macrophages and T-helper lymphocytes cross-talk to maintain an immune response
- Describe the cytokine profiles that are critical for determining M1 versus M2 macrophage
- Describe how immunological synapses concentrate intracellular signals required for immune cell activation
Information Flow, Exchange and Storage: During development, immune cells differentiate to acquire characteristic phenotypes
Hematopoietic stem cells differentiate into myeloid, erythroid and lymphoid cells
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the cell types that can develop from hematopoietic stem cells and the signals necessary for differentiation into each cell type
- Describe the mechanisms that limit the generation of self-reactive lymphocytes in the thymus
- Predict the role of infant’s gut flora on immune system development
- Predict the consequences of a common gamma chain receptor deficiency
A multi-step selection process is involved in lymphocyte development
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the cell types that can develop from hematopoietic stem cells and the signals necessary for differentiation into each cell type
- Describe the mechanisms that limit the generation of self-reactive lymphocytes in the thymus
- Predict the role of infant’s gut flora on immune system development
- Predict the consequences of a common gamma chain receptor deficiency
Genetic disorders can alter immune cell development
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe the cell types that can develop from hematopoietic stem cells and the signals necessary for differentiation into each cell type
- Describe the mechanisms that limit the generation of self-reactive lymphocytes in the thymus
- Predict the role of infant’s gut flora on immune system development
- Predict the consequences of a common gamma chain receptor deficiency
Information Flow, Exchange and Storage: Gene expression and regulation influence the recognition of diverse antigens by the immune system
Genome organization determines antigen receptor diversity
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how polygenic, polymorphic and co-dominant MHC expression allows recognition of a diverse array of antigens
- Predict the consequence of a decrease in HLA/MHC diversity in a population in regards to pathogen outbreak
- Describe how somatic hypermutation and selection increases antibody affinity over the course of an immune response
- Describe the process of V(D)J recombination in T-Cell Receptor and B-Cell Receptor generation
Permanent genetic changes drive the specificity of antigenic receptors
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how polygenic, polymorphic and co-dominant MHC expression allows recognition of a diverse array of antigens
- Predict the consequence of a decrease in HLA/MHC diversity in a population in regards to pathogen outbreak
- Describe how somatic hypermutation and selection increases antibody affinity over the course of an immune response
- Describe the process of V(D)J recombination in T-Cell Receptor and B-Cell Receptor generation
Pathways and Transformation of Energy and Matter: Immune system activation is an energy-intensive process that can influence and can be influenced by other metabolic demands (e.g., stress, malnutrition, reproduction, circadian rhythm disruption, exercise etc.)
Cells of the immune system utilize biochemical pathways for transport, synthesis and breakdown of nutrients and macromolecules
Sample Learning Objectives- List the bioenergetic demands of an immune cell
- Compare and contrast the bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs of a naïve (quiescent) B lymphocyte and a plasma cell
Alteration of a biochemical pathway in an immune cell can affect the duration and intensity of an immune response
Sample Learning Objectives- List the bioenergetic demands of an immune cell
- Compare and contrast the bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs of a naïve (quiescent) B lymphocyte and a plasma cell
Evolution: Immune defenses vary based on organismal complexity
Immune defenses adapt under selective pressure at micro and macro levels
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms against viral infection, in bacteria versus the humans
- Describe the mechanisms of seasonal antigenic shift and drift in the influenza virus and how that influences immunological memory
- Describe how B lymphocyte specificity evolves over the course of a primary immune response
- Explain how sub-populations of cells within a tumour microenvironment evolve to bypass immune surveillance
- Create a phylogenetic tree depicting the evolution of immunoglobulin domain
- Explain how sickle cell anemia-associated allele is advantageous in certain human populations
Immune defenses can be conserved between ancestral and derived organisms
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms against viral infection, in bacteria versus the humans
- Describe the mechanisms of seasonal antigenic shift and drift in the influenza virus and how that influences immunological memory
- Describe how B lymphocyte specificity evolves over the course of a primary immune response
- Explain how sub-populations of cells within a tumour microenvironment evolve to bypass immune surveillance
- Create a phylogenetic tree depicting the evolution of immunoglobulin domain
- Explain how sickle cell anemia-associated allele is advantageous in certain human populations
Microbes and hosts dynamically co-evolve
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms against viral infection, in bacteria versus the humans
- Describe the mechanisms of seasonal antigenic shift and drift in the influenza virus and how that influences immunological memory
- Describe how B lymphocyte specificity evolves over the course of a primary immune response
- Explain how sub-populations of cells within a tumour microenvironment evolve to bypass immune surveillance
- Create a phylogenetic tree depicting the evolution of immunoglobulin domain
- Explain how sickle cell anemia-associated allele is advantageous in certain human populations
Key Competency: Process of science
Locate and vet peer-reviewed articles pertaining to immunology
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare the information in an immunology- related news article with the original scientific source
- Compare the relative level of scientific evidence provided by: a primary research article, a systematic review, and a meta-analysis on an immunological topic
Critically analyze key findings and experimental design within primary immunology literature
Sample Learning Objectives- Identify the most critical data that supports the main findings in an immunology research article
- Identify the sources of implicit bias within experimental designs in immunological literature
Design an experiment to address an immunology-based research problem
Sample Learning Objectives- Write a mock research grant proposal to address an immunological question
Key Competency: Relationship between science and society
Identify inaccuracies in popular media about immunological topics that are consumed and shared by the lay public
Sample Learning Objectives- Determine the scientific accuracy of a social media post (e.g., a meme, a blog article, a video) about the immune response against a pandemic virus
Discuss the impact of immunological research on society
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe how cancer immunotherapies have impacted public perceptions of the disease
- Design an advocacy poster to address the societal and ethical implications of vaccination programs
- Discuss the sources of implicit bias that may impact immunological research
Key Competency: Communicate and collaborate with others
Present an immunological topic to a varied audience
Sample Learning Objectives- Create and present a poster about recent immunological findings to peers and disciplinary experts
- Write a blog article about recent immunological findings for the general public
Contribute within a team to move a task forward
Sample Learning Objectives- Collaboratively write a white paper that addresses an immunology related real-world problem
Contribute within a team to promote a positive environment
Sample Learning Objectives- Describe your approach to gather and give feedback, and achieve consensus within your team
- Reflect on and articulate your own and your teammates’ contribution to an immunology-related project
Demonstrate an ability to manage conflict
Sample Learning Objectives- Use active-listening techniques within a role-play situation to mediate a health-related conflict
Key Competency: Quantitative reasoning
Apply statistics to analyze immunological data
Sample Learning Objectives- Choose an appropriate statistical test to analyze an immunological data set and justify your choice
Interpret different types of graphical representation of immunological data
Sample Learning Objectives- Interpret a flow cytometry histogram
Draw meaningful conclusions from an immunology-related data set
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare your interpretation of the data in a figure from an immunological research paper with conclusions drawn by the authors
Key Competency: Perform basic lab procedures
Use standardized safety practices in an immunological laboratory
Sample Learning Objectives- Demonstrate competence in federal and institutional regulatory protocols (e.g., Biosafety levels, IACUC, OSHA, IRB)
Use standardized technical practices in an immunological laboratory
Sample Learning Objectives- Demonstrate competence in using basic lab equipment (e.g., pipettes, autoclave and centrifuges) and methodologies (e.g., aseptic technique, use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, dilution, lab math, animal handling, general chemistry skills, basic microscopy)
Use standardized record-keeping practices in an immunological laboratory
Sample Learning Objectives- Document and report on experimental protocols, results and conclusions in a lab notebook
Key Competency: Explain and/or perform laboratory methodology to address an immunology-based research question
Identify and/or isolate immune cells
Sample Learning Objectives- Identify specific leukocyte populations on a fixed blood smear slide
- Explain how to isolate naive T lymphocytes from a mouse spleen
Measure effector functions of immune components
Sample Learning Objectives- Measure phagocytic uptake by immune cells using a fluorescence-based assay
- Explain how antigen-specific lymphocytes can be tracked in an organism using flow cytometry or intravital microscopy
Detect the presence of an antigen or an antibody
Sample Learning Objectives- Use an immunoassay to detect the presence of a cytokine in a cell culture supernatant
- Use a hemagglutination assay to determine blood types
Measure the immune response upon manipulation of an experimental system
Sample Learning Objectives- Compare the immune response of a wild type and a genetically modified organism against a pathogen
- Predict/assess the effect of a drug on the immune response of Arabidopsis to a pathogen
Use modeling/simulation for an immunology-based investigation
Sample Learning Objectives- Use a computer-based model for HIV infection to determine the lifespan of infected cells
- Compare and contrast immune system organization in a model organism (e.g., Caenorhabditis elegans, zebrafish, Drosophila, Arabidopsis) to humans