Биофизика и биотехнологии. Biophysics and biotechnologies. Учебное пособие

monitoring of novel pathogens, vaccine development against rapidly evolving viruses, and implementing effective infection control strategies. To forecast and prevent new infectious diseases, immunologists work with the specialists in other disciplines such as IT or Artificial Intelligence.

Immunology is a dynamic and ever-evolving field of science that demands scientific expertise from various disciplines, including engineering. Biomedical, IT engineers can come up with innovative solutions and strategies in the sphere of immunology.

DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL VOCABULARY WORKING OUT THE MEANING OF UNKNOWN WORDS

2. The following words in the box are all from the text above. Find them in the text.

3. For each word, read the sentence it occurs in and answer the questions:

a)Is the word positive, negative or neutral?

b)Is it a noun, adjective, adverb or verb?

c)Can you think of a word with a similar meaning (synonym) and one with an opposite meaning (antonym)?

AFTER READING TASKS

4.Answer the questions:

1.What is immunology?

2.What is the role of the immune system in the human body?

3.What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

4.How does immunotherapy revolutionize the treatment of dangerous diseases?

5.What are the challenges in immunotherapy?

6.What is the purpose of vaccines?

7.What are the different types of vaccines?

8.What are the challenges in vaccine development?

9.What are autoimmune diseases and how do they affect the body?

10.What are the challenges in dealing with new infectious diseases?

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5.Are the statements True (T), False (F), or Not Mentioned (NM) in the text?

1.The human immune system defends the body against infections, prevents the growth of cancerous cells, and aids in the healing process.

2.Passive immunity occurs when preformed antibodies are transferred from one individual to another.

3.Active immunity can only be acquired artificially through vaccination.

4.Immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of treatment for dangerous diseases.

5.The innate immune response provides specific and long-term protection.

6.White blood cells, including phagocytes and natural killer cells, play a vital role in the adaptive immune response.

7.CAR T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are innovative approaches in immunotherapy.

8.Different types of vaccines stimulate an immune response that leads to the development of immunological memory.

9.The development of vaccines demands extensive research, clinical trials, and manufacturing processes.

10.Autoimmune diseases result from the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissues within the body.

6.Fill in the gaps:

1.Immunology is a science that studies …

2.A human immune system is a complex arrangement of …

3.Active immunity develops …. in contrast to passive immunity which is a transfer of antibodies from one person to another.

4.The innate immune response provides … while the adaptive immune response offers …

5.The first line of defense against pathogens is ….

6.White blood cells play a vital role in the innate immune response as they …

7.In spite of big progress in immunotherapy, there are still some problems which are to be solved such as …

8.Vaccination is introducing harmless fragments of pathogens in order to …

9.Development of vaccines is a complex process which requires …

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10.When immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues within the body, it can lead to …

11.Emergence of new infectious diseases poses the challenges such as ….

12.Immunology is a complex sphere which requires combined efforts of the specialists in the areas ….

7. Fill in the gaps with prepositions where needed. Write Russian equivalents to the phrases:

1.be responsible … protecting our bodies

2.it focuses … understanding

3.it defends … the body against

4.to respond … specific antigens

5.to prevent … entry into the body

6.in spite … the progress

7.to lead … the development

8.to result … chronic inflammation

9.to do research … the areas

10.to come up … innovative solutions

8.Find the matching phrases. Make up your own sentences with the phrases:

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10. Translate into English:

Иммунология – это увлекательная область, которая изучает сложную систему, отвечающую за защиту нашего организма от вредных патогенов.

Иммунная система состоит из двух основных компонентов: врожденного иммунного ответа и адаптивного иммунного ответа. Первый обеспечивает быстрые, неспецифические защитные механизмы, в то время как последний дает специфическую и долгосрочную защиту.

Физические барьеры, такие как кожа и слизистые оболочки, являются первой линией обороны от патогенов и не позволяют им проникнуть в организм.

Лейкоциты играют важную роль для развития врожденного иммунного ответа. Фагоциты поглощают и уничтожают патогены, в то время как естественные убийцы направляются на клетки, зараженные вирусами, и опухоли.

Адаптивный иммунный ответ распознает и нацеливается на конкретные антигены. Специализированные клетки, известные как лимфоциты, генерируют специфические антитела для нейтрализации антигенов и уничтожения патогенов.

11. Work in subgroups. Read and translate one of the texts. Make a plan and a list of key words. Prepare a summary of the text using the plan and the notes. Tell your summary to the students of other subgroups.

Text 1: The Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting our bodies from various diseases. They are particularly important as they help strengthen our immune systems, making us less susceptible to getting sick. When we receive a vaccine, a small amount of the disease-causing organism is introduced into our bodies. This prompts our immune system to produce the necessary defenses to fight off the infection, without making us ill.

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Immunizations have had a significant impact on public health, eradicating and greatly reducing the occurrence of many diseases. Diseases like polio, measles, and tetanus were once prevalent, causing much suffering and death. However, thanks to vaccines, their occurrence is now a rarity in many parts of the world.

It is crucial to ensure that we and our loved ones are up to date with immunizations, as they can save lives and prevent the spread of diseases. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of our communities. Therefore, it is essential to educate ourselves about the importance of vaccinations and reach out to healthcare professionals to receive the necessary vaccines.

Text II: Allergies and Their Impact on Our Health

Allergies are a result of our immune system reacting to substances that are usually harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. When we have an allergy, our immune system considers these substances as threats and releases chemicals to fight them off. This can lead to various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort like sneezing and itching to severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

Many people around the world suffer from allergies, and they can significantly impact their day-to-day lives. Allergies can cause missed school or work days, affect sleep patterns, and impair overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to identify allergies and manage them effectively.

Allergy testing can help identify the specific substances triggering these reactions. Once identified, individuals can take preventative measures like avoiding allergens or taking specific medications prescribed by healthcare professionals.

Understanding allergies and how our immune systems respond to them is essential in maintaining good health. By managing allergies effectively, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life.

Text III: Autoimmune Diseases:

When Our Immune System Goes Haywire

Our immune system usually serves as our body's defense mechanism, protecting us from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in some cases, our immune system can become confused and mistakenly

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attack our healthy cells and tissues. This reaction is known as an autoimmune disease, and it can lead to various chronic conditions.

Some common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. These conditions often have no cure and require long-term management and treatment. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect different body parts or systems.

Although the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, they often involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers are working tirelessly to better understand these diseases and develop treatments or interventions to improve patients' lives.

For those living with autoimmune disorders, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals regularly, follow prescribed treatment plans, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. By educating ourselves and raising awareness about autoimmune diseases, we can support those affected and provide a better understanding of the challenges they face.

WRITING

12. Choose a task for writing. Write 150-200 words.

1.Write a persuasive letter to the government advocating for increased funding for immunology research.

2.Write a blog post discussing the importance of public trust in vaccines and strategies to overcome skepticism.

SPEAKING

13. Work in small groups. Prepare to talk on one of the topics. Use the texts of Module 5. Do some research on the Internet if needed.

1.Importance of the immune system in protecting the body against pathogens.

2.The advantages and disadvantages of active and passive immunity.

3.Pressing problems in immunology, such as immunotherapy or vaccine development.

4.The challenges faced in the development and distribution of vaccines.

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GRAMMAR FOCUS

VERB PATTERNS. THE GERUND.

The Gerund is a non-finite form of the verb.

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stress that the action expressed ное герундием, предшествует действию, by the Gerund precedes the выраженному основным глаголом (при action expressed by the main условии, что контекст ясен). Например: verb (provided that the context

is clear). For example:

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