Posted on 5th Jan 2017 09:52:15 in CSIR NET Life Sciences
In the present report, we are presenting a trend analysis of the Immunology Section. As are aware, Immunology in itself is a challenging subject and often demands graspand clarity over basic concepts. Though it is presented as a part of Cellular Communication section in the syllabus, but often recommended to prepare as an independent knowledge domain. Generally 3-5 questions are asked each year from this portion.
Since it is a vast subject, hence one should judiciously know how to manage time among important topics from exam point of view. Presented here the detailed trend analysis based on the past year question papers. Remember this analysis is suggestive only and designed to galvanize you for maximum reward.
Cells and Organs of Immune System- Just study basics, as no questions asked.
Types of immunity- innate and adaptive and its components, this area lay the foundation of immunology, some basic questions could be asked in part-B.Toll like receptors is important and the connection between innate and adaptive immunity.
Antigens – Basic terminology of different antigens. Terms like haptens and epitopes.
Antibodies – study structure in detail, their types and functions, differentiate between terms like isotype, allotype, idiotype. - some basic quest. could be asked in part-B.
Antigen – antibody interaction – important as questions asked, specially Part-C, some analysis required….areas important can be Elisa and its variants, RIA, flow cytometary, monoclonal and polyclonal Ab. – generation of monoclonal Ab. Purification and uses, Ab therapy is imp.
Antibody Diversity- just the basic reasons for Ab diversity, don’t lay much emphasis on detailed mechanisms as not very important.
Cytokines – very important, their families and functions, different cytokines involved in innate and adaptive immunity, cytokines in therapy is important – Questions consistently asked in Part-C.
Hypersensitivity Reactions– important, types of hypersensitivity reaction and their role in disease development e.g. asthma, hay fever etc.
Autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases – study just the basics of autoimmunity, lay more emphasis on diseases.
Transplantation – very important, questions asked, transplantation types, graft rejection, cells involved in graft rejection, immunosuppressive therapy and drugs used in it is important, clinical transplantation- questions asked on liver transplant.
Vaccines – important, types of immunization, can leave designing of vaccines, lay emphasis on types of vaccines e.g. live and killed vaccines, toxoids etc. conjugate vaccine, DNA vaccine and RDT vaccines are more imp.
OTHER AREAS TO BE COVERED
1. Complement System
2. MHC
3. Antigen processing and presentation – can lay little emphasis if time allows.
4. T and B cell maturation and proliferation and activation.
