Immune Targets: A Case of Flu

Synopsis

Looks at the search for an influenza vaccine. The main attack has concentrated on the B cell and antibody response to the coatspikes, but more recently there has been considerable interest in the role of cytotoxic T cells in combating the disease. Looks at the problems of a pathogen like influenza and considers the role of B cells and antibody in neutralisation of the virus. Explains how the antigenic targets on the viral coatspikes are identified and characterised and considers general features of structures that tend to confer antigenicity. Looks at problems and successes of vaccination based on B cells and antibodies. Examines the immune system’s ‘second line of defence’, the cytotoxic T cell or T killer cell. Describes the discovery of the protective role of cytotoxic T cells, their likely target antigens and their possible application to vaccination. Looks at th nature of antigenic targets and the hopes for protection against influenza in the future.

Series

Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Course S325

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Undergraduates and postgraduates: introductory material for tutorial work.*

Subjects

Medical sciences

Keywords

biochemistry; cell biology; immune system; influenza

Credits

Producer

Mike Ganton

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk