Immunology4bpts 2025!


Video-on-demand (VOD) lecture series

Access to the 2024 lectures via Video-on-demand is LIVE NOW and will be ongoing throughout the first half of 2025; the 2025 version will be launched around July 2025!

For immediate access, register here, then email to request a copy of the course notes: see Extras > Resources.

Patreon learning exercises and UPDATES

Rich resource of learning and revision material, mini-lectures, and MCQs!  Follow this link: Patreon (Immunology4physicians).

Primer of Clinical Immunobiology

Primer Cover

The Primer of Clinical Immunobiology is Immunology for doctors! Written from a medical perspective, and rich with illustrative graphics, the essential aspects of immunobiology are clearly and thoroughly explained. This foundation of fundamental biology then serves as a basis for understanding major clinical immunology diagnoses, presented in detail, with a focus on immunodeficiency and allergy. 

 The book draws on the last 20 years of the immunology4bpts courses and is the foundation text for this and future iterations.

How do I get it?

The Primer will be availble as an eBook from Apple Books (preferred) as well as Amazon Kindle. It will be launched when the course goes live in July 2025

About the Course

The immunology4bpts course aims to provide essential knowledge about the basic science of the immune system, and how this translates into clinical medicine. Thus the requirements for both the Basic Sciences as well as Clinical Medicine will be covered.

Who will benefit from this course

This course is designed for

  • Doctors training in internal medicine (such as Basic Physician Trainees)
  • Established physicians wanting to update their knowledge in Immunology
  • Paediatric trainees: many aspects of the course are very relevant for paediatric training, and there is a dedicated lecture on Paediatric Immunodeficiency
  • Anyone with a medical background where an understanding of immunology might help with their chosen career path

Course Includes

  • A preliminary 'Introduction to the Immune system'
  • A series of ~30 short lectures, ~30-40 minutes each
  • Three revision MCQs after each lecture to consolidate learning
  • Trial Immunology MCQ exam of 50 questions at the completion of the course
  • Multiple graphics accompanying the lecture materials to reinforce critical immunological concepts
  • 'Immunology in a Page' diagrammatic summary of the entire immune system
  • Extra lectures on Paediatric Immunodeficiency, Vasculitis and Transplantation
  • Access to email support from the convenor throughout the viewing period

Access to the Lectures

  • All lectures are accessed by Video-on-demand. You can start the lecture series anytime on a rental basis via Vimeo and you will have 30-days to complete it. Registration is not necessary: just head to the link above and sign up!
  • The 2025 course (after July 1) will follow the 'Primer of Clinical Immunobiology', which serves as the course reference text and manual; if can be purchased from Apple Books (preferred) or Kindle, to be released mid-2025. Details to follow.
  • Note that there will be no live webcast in 2025.

Course costs

Video-on-demand: $AUD-TBA (incl. GST)

(Access to Revision exercises and other on Patreon extra $AUD11 per month)
Fees exclude purchase of the 'Primer of Clincial Immunobiology', which constitutes the course text and notes.

 

In-person video course

Cost: $AUD495 (incl. GST)

(Access to revision exercises on Patreon extra $AUD11 per month)
Fees exclude purchase of the 'Primer of Clincial Immunobiology', which constitutes the course text and notes.

Registration opens 1st July 2025

Registration for Webcast (link to follow)
Course Content

Topics Covered

Innate Immunity and Complement

Lectures 1-6

Antibodies and B Cells

Lectures 7-11

T Cells

Lectures 14-19, 20

Allergic Disease

Lecture 19-21

HLA and Transplantation

Lecture 13, 23, Extra 1

Autoimmunity and Vasculitis

Lectures 24, Extra 2
Course Content

Lecture Details

The course is designed to cover a wide scope of basic and applied immunology. Here's what we'll be covering!

Lecture 0

Introduction to Immunology

Basic Science

  • Commensals vs pathogens, innate vs specific immunity, anatomical and chemical barriers.
  • Immune cells: macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells & basophils, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), dendritic cells.
  • Innate immunity: pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Complement. Inflammation & vasoactive mediators, cytokines, chemokines.
  • Adaptive immunity: clonal selection (Burnet), Generation of diversity, signals for lymphocyte activation, B cells, antigen binding by antibody. T cells. immunological memory Lymphoid tissues: thymus, lymphatics, lymph nodes, spleen, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).
  • Effector mechanisms in immune responses: cytotoxicity, type1, type 2, type 3 immunity. Role of MHC molecules. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), T-helper (Th) cells), B-cell activation & plasma cells.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 1

Innate Receptors

Basic Science

  • Innate immunity principles: physical / epithelial barriers, molecules recognised by innate immune system, pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs).
  • Toll-like receptors.
  • C-type Lectins.
  • NOD-like receptors & Inflammasomes.

Clinical Applications

  • Gram negative septic shock.
  • Gout.
  • Autoinflammatory diseases.
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever.
  • Autoinflammatory disease and NLRP3.
  • NOD2 and Crohn's disease.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 2

Complement

Basic Science

  • Complement functions, principles, nomenclature. Alternate, classical pathway & lectin pathways. Membrane attack complex, complement receptors, anaphylatoxins
  • Mannose-binding lectin, ficolins.
  • Complement control proteins, self-non-self discrimination.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 3

Complement Disorders

Clinical Applications

  • Hereditary angioedema.
  • Complement deficiency syndromes.
  • Complement assays.
  • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH).
  • Atypical HUS.
  • Complement and therapy: eculizumab, pegcetacoplan, avacopan.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 4

Innate Cytokines

Basic Science

  • Acute phase response, TNF, IL-1, IL-6.
  • RNA & DNA sensors.
  • Interferons-type I, Innate & Adaptive Interaction.

Clinical Applications

  • Therapeutic inhibitors of IL-1, IL-6, TNF.
  • Type I interferonopathies.
  • STING-associated vasculopathy.
  • IFN type I and SARS-CoV-2.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 5

Innate Cells

Basic Science

  • Phagocytes: monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils.
  • Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs).
  • Eosinophils.
  • Dendritic cells: classical (cDCs) vs plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs).
  • Innate-lymphoid cells (ILCs), NK cells.
  • Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Clinical Applications

  • Assessment of Neutrophils.
  • Chronic granulomatous disease.
  • Furunculosis.
  • DC-based vaccines.
  • ILC2 and atopic disease, anti-TSLP.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 6

Cell movement

Basic Science

  • Chemokines, adhesion cascade.

Clinical Applications

  • Chemokines and disease: HIV entry.
  • Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency.
  • Integrin blockers in IBD, MS.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 7

Immunoglobulins

Basic Science

  • Antibody basic structure, immunoglobulin regions, isotypes/classes/subclasses: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE.
  • Immunoglobulin superfamily.
  • Ig response to pathogen.
  • Antibody function including opsonisation, ADCC, Fc Receptors.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 8

Immunoglobulin Disorders

Clinical Applications

  • IgG4 Related Disease.
  • Serum sickness.
  • Cryoglobulinaemia.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 9

Immunoglobulins and Therapeutics

Basic Science

  • Polyclonal vs monoclonal Abs (mAbs), CD nomenclature.
  • Therapeutic antibodies (“biologics”), mAb modifications & nomenclature.

Clinical Applications

  • Monoclonal antibodies and therapeutics.
  • Anti-IgE (omalizumab).
  • Intravenous Immunoglobulin.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 10

Antibody Deficiency

Clinical Applications

  • General principles of Immunodeficiency.
  • Manifestations of Primary Antibody Deficiency.
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID).
  • Secondary Ab deficiency.
  • IgA deficiency.
  • IgG subclass deficiency.
  • Specific Antibody Deficiency (SAD, SpAD, FAD).
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 11

How B Cells are Made

Basic Science

  • B cell overview.
  • Clonal selection (Burnet).
  • Generation of Diversity (VDJ rearrangement), immunoglobulin genes.
  • B-cell development (pre-Ag).
  • B-cell tolerance. Transitional B cells & BAFF.

Clinical Applications

  • VDJ rearrangement and diagnosis of lymphoma.
  • Agammaglobulinaemia with absent B cells, e.g. X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA).
  • Btk inhibitors.
  • BAFF inhibitors.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 12

How B Cells are Activated

Basic Science

  • B-cell differentiation after Ag, isotype switching, affinity maturation/somatic hypermutation in germinal centres.
  • 1˚ vs 2˚ humoral responses.
  • Plasma cells, memory B cells.
  • T-dependent versus T-independent Ags.
  • B cell surface antigens.

Clinical Applications

  • Hyper IgM syndrome.
  • Rituximab (anti-CD20).
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 13

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) and Antigen presentation

Basic Science

  • MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)/HLA structure (class I vs II), variation, function.
  • Ag processing pathways (class I vs II), cross-presentation.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 14

How T Cells are Made

Basic Science

  • Introduction to T-cells.
  • T-cell receptor, CD3 signalling chains, TCR:MHC interaction.
  • CD4 vs CD8 T cells.
  • T-cell development in the thymus.
  • TCR gene rearrangement.
  • T-cell selection.
  • Thymic expression of peripheral antigens (AIRE).
  • CD4-8 selection.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 15

How T Cells are Activated

Basic Science

  • T-cell recirculation.
  • T-cell activation & co-stimulation, including CTLA4.
  • Super-antigens, IL-2.
  • Memory T cells.

Clinical Applications

  • Manipulating the co-stimulatory pathway: blockers: CTLA4-Ig (Abatacept).
  • Checkpoint inhibitors: anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1/PD-L1, and immune-related adverse events.
  • Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS).
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 16

T cells Immunodeficiency

Basic Science

  • T-cell Receptor Excision Circles (TRECs)

Clinical Applications

  • Laboratory assessment of T-cells and interpretation.
  • SCID.
  • Combined Immunodeficiency (CID)
  • Idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia (ICL)
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 17

T Cell Tolerance

Basic Science

  • T-cell tolerance: central vs peripheral, inhibitory molecules. clonal ignorance, Fas.
  • Treg cells.

Clinical Applications

  • CTLA4 deficiency.
  • IPEX (foxp3 deficiency).
  • tTreg therapeutics.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 18

T helper cells subsets

Basic Science

  • Effector T cell subsets: Th1/Th2/Th17 cells, follicular helper T cells (Tfh).

Clinical Applications

  • Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease (Th1 deficiency).
  • Role of Th17 cells in psoriasis.
  • Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMC)(Th17 deficiency).
  • IL-17 blockers.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 19

Pathophysiology of Allergy

Basic Science

  • Allergic (Th2) pathophysiology, Th2 cytokines & receptors.
  • Mast cells, basophils, ILC2
  • Early vs late-phase allergic response, chronic allergic inflammation.
  • Mechanisms of Desensitisation.

Clinical Applications

  • Interpreting IgE levels.
  • Th2 pathway blockers.
David Fulcher profile picture

Prof David A. Fulcher

MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 20

Atopic Allergic disease

Clinical Applications

  • Allergic rhinitis.
  • Food allergy.
  • Anaphylaxis.
Ming-Wei Lin profile picture

A/Prof Ming-Wei Lin

MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 21

Non-atopic Allergic disease

Clinical Applications

  • Insect sting allergy.
  • Mastocytosis.
  • Antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporins, sulphonamides), anaesthetic agents, radiocontrast media, ACE inhibitors, aspirin and NSAIDs.
  • Principles of drug “desensitisation”.
  • Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
  • Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU).
Ming-Wei Lin profile picture

A/Prof Ming-Wei Lin

MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

Lecture 22

More T cells and T-cell therapeutics

Basic Science

  • Cytotoxic T cells, innate-like T cells.
  • T cell surface molecules.

    • Clinical Applications

    • CAR T cells & therapy.
    • Bispecific antibodies.
    • Jak inhibitors.
    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Lecture 23

    HLA in Practice

    Basic Science

    • MHC restriction.
    • Genomic structure of HLA, inheritance of HLA alleles.
    • HLA nomenclature.
    • Non-classical HLA molecules.

    Clinical Applications

    • HLA and Autoimmune susceptibility
    • HLA & Disease: coeliac disease, drug hypersensitivity (abacavir, carbamazepine, allopurinol), transfusion.
    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Extra 1

    Transplantation

    Clinical Applications

    • Types of transplants (solid organ, haematopoietic cell).
    • Transplant rejection: pathways (direct vs indirect), hyperacute/acute/chronic.
    • Transplant outcomes: kidney, haematopoietic.
    • Donor selection: HLA matching (renal vs non-renal), anti-HLA antibodies, HLA crossmatch, role of ABO.
    • Methods for HLA typing.
    • Preventing graft rejection.
    • Complications of immunosuppression.
    • Haematopoietic cell transplantation: indications, HLA matching, rejection, graft versus host disease (GVHD).
    • Minor histocompatibility antigens.
    • Killer inhibitory receptors (KIRs) (NK cells).
    Heather Dunckley profile picture

    Heather Dunckley

    BSc Hons, PhD, A(ACHI)

    Lecture 24

    Autoimmunity

    Basic Science

    • Immune tolerance mechanisms
    • Pathogenic mechanisms in autoimmunity: antibody-mediated (pathogenic vs marker Abs), immune complexes, T-cells.
    • Mechanisms of tolerance failure: influence of sex, genes & environment (especially infection), bystander activation, molecular mimicry.

    Clinical Applications

    • Risk genes in autoimmune disease.
    • Pathogenesis of narcolepsy, coeliac disease, lupus.
    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Extra 2

    Vasculitis

    Clinical Applications

    • General: epidemiology, classification, histopathology, diagnosis, prognosis, mimics of vasculitis, imaging, treatment.
    • ANCA & pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV).
    • Practical guide on approach to patient with potential vasculitis
    • Takayasu's arteritis.
    • Giant cell arteritis (GCA).
    • Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN).
    • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).
    • Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
    • Anti-GBM disease.
    • IgA vasculitis.
    • Cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis.
    • Kawasaki's disease.
    • MIS-C.
    Ming Wei profile picture

    A/Prof Ming-Wei Lin

    MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

    Lecture 25

    Immunology in a Page

    Basic Science

    • One page revision summary of the entirety of the immune system!
    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Extra 3

    Paediatric Immunodeficiency Disorders

    Clinical Applications

    • Classification of immunodeficiency.
    • Age-related changes in Ig, complement.
    • Infections and PID.
    • Assessment of suspected PID.
    • SCID, Omenn syndrome, ADA/PNP deficiency, DiGeorge syndrome, SCID screening.
    • XLA, CVID, IgAD.
    • CGD, LAD.
    • Complement deficiency and evaluation.
    • Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome.
    • Hyper IgE (Job's) syndrome.
    • DOCK 8 deficiency.
    • Ataxia telangiectasia.
    Stephanie Richards profile picture

    Stephanie Richards

    BSc Hons, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

    Theresa Cole profile picture

    Theresa Cole

    MBBS, FRACP

    Exam

    MCQ Trial Immunology Examination

    Time to go through 50 MCQs to see how much you've learnt!

    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Exam

    MCQ Work-through

    Answers and explanation of the 50 MCQs in trial examination.

    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Course Content

    Example Slides

    Slides are packed with detailed illustrations to reinforce critical immunological concepts

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    Speaker Profiles

    Meet Our Speakers

    All our speakers have extensive experience and passion for Immunology, and are keen to share their knowledge

    David Fulcher profile picture

    Prof David A. Fulcher

    MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

    Hon. Professor of Immunology, Australian National University, Immunopathologist at 4Cyte Pathology and was a practising Clinical Immunologist for over 30 years. Prof Fulcher has a national reputation for teaching immunology at all levels, including undergraduate, basic physician trainee and post-graduate stages. He has held every major national teaching position in Immunology and Immunopathology, including Co-ordinator of Advanced Training in Immunology, Chair of the Joint Specialist Advisory Committee in Immunology (RACP), and Chief Examiner in Immunopathology (RCPA). He was Director of Physician Training and then Network Director of Physician Training. He has convened Immunology4bpts since 2006.

    Ming Wei Lin profile picture

    A/Prof Ming-Wei Lin

    MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

    A/Prof Ming-Wei Lin is a senior staff specialist in the Department of Clinical Immunology and Head of Immunopathology at ICPMR, Westmead Hospital. She co-directs the multidisciplinary Immunobullous clinic and has special interests in autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency.

    Heather Dunckley profile picture

    Dr Heather Dunckley

    BSc Hons, PhD, A(ACHI)

    Dr Dunckley is the ASHI Director and Clinical Scientist of the New Zealand Transplantation and Immunogenetics Laboratory, New Zealand Blood Service. She has extensive practical laboratory experience in the field of histocompatibility testing for solid organ and haematopoietic cell transplantation. She has served on the Board of the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) and is a Past-President of the Asia Pacific Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Association (APHIA). She regularly teaches on the theory and application of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typing for transplantation and for HLA linked immunological diseases.

    Theresa Cole profile picture

    A/Prof Theresa Cole

    MBBS, FRACP

    A/Prof Cole is a Paediatric Immunologist, specialising in stem cell transplant for primary immunodeficiency at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. She is current chair of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) primary immunodeficiency committee, chair of the ASCIA immunoglobulin replacement therapy working party and facilitator of the Transplantation in Primary Immunodeficiency (TAPID) group. Her primary research interests are in better understanding mechanisms underlying immune deficiency and improving stem cell transplant outcomes for primary immunodeficiency.

    Stephanie Richards profile picture

    Dr Stephanie Richards

    BSc Hons, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

    Dr Stephanie Richards is a paediatric allergist/immunologist and immunopathologist, currently employed at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Her clinical and research interests include primary immunodeficiency, immune dysregulation and food allergies in children.

    What Others Say

    Hear From Past Attendees

    Very good introduction to immunology for those of us who have very little knowledge of it. Takes you right the way through the basics to the clinical applications.

    Anonymous Post-Attendance Feedback Form

    This course is simply excellent. Most of the concepts were new to me, but they were presented in a way that was so easy to digest. I also found the course very enjoyable! I would 100% recommend this course.

    Anonymous Post-Attendance Feedback Form

    I thought the lectures were fantastic - really great breakdown of the important components of basic immunology, that we're really nicely intertwined with clinical immunology. I definitely feel more confident with my immunology knowledge than prior to sitting the course.

    Anonymous Post-Attendance Feedback Form

    This is an absolutely brilliant 2-day course on Immunology. So thorough, so much detail, and so well explained from the foundations upwards. I really enjoyed the reflection time and MCQs at the end of each section, giving us the chance to assess what we have learnt and how we can apply our understanding. The exam-style MCQs are perfect for this. The visual aids, schematics, graphs and diagrams are awesome. I also like the addition of videos to explain the biology in a slightly different way. Finally, Dr Fulcher's passion for the subject is palpable and infectious.

    Anonymous Post-Attendance Feedback Form

    I felt like I was learning rather than simply being fed a list of facts.

    Anonymous Post-Attendance Feedback Form

    Excellent thorough summary of a lot of key immunology concepts. Really enjoyed the online lecture format - very well done.

    Anonymous Post-Attendance Feedback Form