Basic function of the immune system is to protect us from diseases, like infections and cancers, in a very precise manner. Human diseases mostly result from a flaw or a complete loss of this precision that leads to a loss of immune-regulatory pathways and cause various diseases. Therefore, a basic understanding of the components, functions and mechanisms of the immune system is essential. When a pathogen breaches this system or a cancerous cell evades this system then there is an onset of the disease. Chemotherapy is then employed to treat the disease until the patient becomes healthy and the immune system again takes over the charge. This course gives an introduction to various diseases, especially the cancer, focusing on the biochemical characterization of the diseases. Chemotherapy part introduces about the chemicals and biologicals used for the prevention or the treatment, including their mechanism of action, drug resistance and the possible side effects. The students learn about the chemical structure and the therapeutic role these important compounds available in the market. Immunology portion explains the components of human immune system, like WBCs, antibodies, vaccines etc. and their transport mechanisms. Overall, the course serves as outstanding foundation to understand the disease mechanisms and drug design for the students of biochemistry, pharmacology or any other life sciences and healthcare disciplines.

BOOKS & READINGS

1. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology
2. Harper’s  Illustrated Biochemistry
3. https://www.cancer.org/chemotherapy  (The American Cancer Society)

CONTENTS

1. Introduction to Chemotherapy and its importance, including the  scope and applications.
2. Introduction to cancerl and its types, structure and functions of Oncogenes.
3. Introduction to Chemotherapeutic agents; Chemical structure, molecular interactions, mode of action and the possible side effects.
4. Introduction to Immunology; Chemical structure, molecular interactions and the biological functions of mono- and polyclonal antibodies and their use for the treatments.
5. Introduction to the complement system and the blood groups.
6. Introduction to Antibacterials; Classification, Chemical structure, mode of action, drug resistance and the possible side effects.
7.  Introduction to Antifungals and Antivirals; Chemical structure, mode of action, drug resistance and the possible side effects.
8. Introduction to NSAIDs;Classification, Chemical structure, mode of action, drug resistance and the possible side effects.
9. Introduction to Antimalarial, Antiprotozoal, Anthelmentic drugs;, substrate specificity, classification andcatalysis.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Sessional Marks: 20

Oral Presentation: 10

Attendance & Class Participation:  5

Class Quiz: 5

Mid-term Exam: 30

Final Term Exam: 50

RULES & REGULATIONS

75 % attendance is compulsory, more than 85% will give the student 3, more than 90% 4 and more than 95% will give 5 marks in the sessional marks.