The course teaches the principles and theories of self and non-self defence systems of higher organisms. Topics include structure and function of immunoglobulin, antibody production and diversity, polyclonal antibody production, production of monoclonal antibodies, current methodology for the development vaccines, cell-mediated immunity; tolerance. Immunopathology: hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, mechanisms of tissue rejection in transplantation, interferon.  Current developments in the methods of antigen-antibody characterization; western blotting and immunoassays for the detection and quantification of antigens and antibodies will be examined.