Immunity is a network of cells and tissues that fight off germs that try to infiltrate our bodies. When it detects an intruder, it releases special immune cells that travel to the intruder’s location and attack it. There are two types of immunity: Innate and acquired. You may be able to acquire immunity through vaccinations. Passive immunity is acquired through diet and lifestyle. It is more challenging to acquire immunity than innate immunity.
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Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. It responds quickly to infection by producing a variety of protective mechanisms, including physical barriers, chemical barriers, humoral factors, phagocytic cells, and natural killer cells. These mechanisms utilize pattern recognition receptors to detect pathogens and kill them. They do this by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as lipopolysaccharide.
Innate immune responses have a variety of functions, ranging from eliminating an infection to limiting its spread to establishing a tissue repair program. In addition, the products of the innate immune response are highly effective and represent a significant pathophysiologic mechanism for many diseases.
Acquired immunity is a type of immunity that has evolved to protect our body against a variety of infections. It comprises specialized systemic cells and processes that destroy pathogens or prevent their growth. In vertebrates, acquired immunity is one of two primary strategies for fighting off infection.
Acquired immunity is not innate; it develops through lifelong exposure to foreign substances and antigens. Unlike innate immunity, acquired immunity is specific and is mediated by antibodies and lymphocytes. In many cases, a person can acquire specific immunity by participating in vaccination programs.
Acquired immunity can protect us from a variety of diseases, including those caused by bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to have a robust immune system to prevent and fight illnesses. Vaccines are the most effective way to enhance acquired immunity. They expose the immune system to tiny quantities of pathogens, which it then learns to recognize.
Vaccines for immunity work by stimulating the body’s immune system to create antibodies. These antibodies are the body’s defense against germs and microbes. When an individual is exposed to an infectious organism, their immune system immediately produces antibodies to fight it off. These antibodies are stored in the body’s memory and can be used to fight off the infection the next time it occurs.
There are many different types of vaccines. Some are laboratory-weakened versions of pathogens, while others use antibodies from a donor’s body. The goal is to stimulate long-term immunity, which is much cheaper than treating the disease after it occurs. These vaccines protect entire communities and are a vital part of public health.
Passive immunity can come in different forms. One form is in the skin of most animals. It consists of many layers of flattened cells called epidermal cells that form bonds with one another. This barrier makes the skin almost impenetrable to viruses and bacteria. Because viruses and bacteria are so small, they can only penetrate a microscopic tear in the skin. However, passive immunity is not enough to protect the body against disease. The body must also produce active immunities to protect itself against diseases and toxins.
Passive immunity can also be induced naturally. When maternal antibodies cross the placenta, the infant is protected from some diseases for up to a year. The duration of the protection depends on the number of antibodies transferred and how quickly the levels drop to a protective level.