Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Immunity

Immunity refers to the body’s ability to resist infection or disease. There are two types of immunity: innate immunity and acquired immunity.

Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense against infection. It includes physical and chemical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells and proteins that are produced by the body in response to an infection.

Acquired immunity is immunity that is developed after exposure to a particular pathogen. This can occur naturally, through exposure to a pathogen, or artificially, through vaccination. Acquired immunity can be further divided into two types: passive immunity and active immunity.

Passive immunity is immunity that is transferred from one individual to another. This can occur naturally, through the transfer of antibodies from a mother to her newborn, or artificially, through the administration of antibodies, such as in the treatment of some types of poisoning. Passive immunity is temporary and generally provides protection for a few weeks to a few months.

Active immunity is immunity that is developed by the individual after exposure to a pathogen. This can occur naturally, through exposure to a pathogen, or artificially, through vaccination. Active immunity is generally longer lasting and provides protection for an extended period of time.

Understanding immunity is important in healthcare, as it can help to inform the development of treatments and therapies for immune-related conditions. If you have questions about immunity, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.