Humoral immunity, one of two ways the body protects itself from disease, can be strengthened by a balanced diet, exercise, rest, stress reduction, and possibly vitamins. B cells produce antibodies to fight intruders, and a healthy lifestyle can boost the immune system. One of two ways the body tries to protect itself from disease is […]
Innate immunology studies the nonspecific defenses of the immune system, including physical barriers, chemicals, and cells that attack foreign substances. It works together with the adaptive immune system to protect the body from foreign substances. Researchers use this information to determine the body’s response to specific organisms and the effectiveness of medications. Innate immunology deals […]
Adaptive immunity is the body’s response to infectious agents previously encountered, resulting in a faster and more effective response. It depends on recognizing antigens and can wear off over time. Autoimmune diseases can cause inadequate adaptive immune responses and require treatment with drugs. Adaptive immunity is an important part of the immune system that governs […]
Humoral immunity produces antibodies that mark foreign material in the bloodstream for destruction. B cells recognize antigens and multiply to release antibodies that attach to invading organisms. The immune system accumulates memories of previous attacks, providing long-term immunity. Vaccinations stimulate humoral immunity and create immune memory. Immune system problems, such as autoimmune diseases, can impair […]
Cellular immunity allows the body to attack infected cells using cells like macrophages and natural killer cells. It works with humoral immunity to form a healthy immune system, constantly replenishing new immune cells to recognize and respond to new infectious material. Cellular immunity, also known as cell-mediated immunity, is an important aspect of the immune […]
Natural immunity is inherited from parents and allows the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self, fighting off common ailments. Acquired immunity is developed over time through exposure to antigens, building a library of specific immune responses. Natural immunity describes the state of being able to resist disease; this condition originates in a healthy […]
Acquired immunity is when an organism develops immunity to a disease during its lifetime, through factors such as vaccinations, previous exposures, or immunity passed on from the mother. There are two types: permanent and temporary. Boosters may be needed to strengthen immunity, and antibody tests can determine if immunity has been acquired. An acquired immunity […]
Public interest immunity (PII) is a British common law doctrine used to prevent the disclosure of information that could harm public safety. PII requests are reviewed by the court, which must balance the need for due process with the need to protect sensitive information. The doctrine has attracted controversy due to allegations of abuse by […]
The immune system can naturally respond to some cancers, but tumors are made up of natural cells that the immune system is designed to ignore. Researchers are studying tumor antigens and ways to teach the immune system to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, including using drugs to label overexpressing cells. Tumor immunity is the […]
T-cell immunity is a type of immune response that uses white blood cells called T cells to destroy foreign invaders. There are different types of T cells, including helper, killer, suppressor, and memory T cells. Antigen presentation is required for T-cell immunity to work, and killer T cells attack and kill infected cells. T-cell immunity […]
Legal immunity offers protection from prosecution in certain circumstances. Examples include judicial immunity for witnesses in exchange for testimony, prosecutorial immunity with general or use immunity, and diplomatic immunity for diplomats and rulers. Immunity does not cover major crimes and lawmakers and judges are still subject to the law. Legal immunity is a type of […]
Artificial immunity involves intentional exposure to a disease through vaccinations or antibodies. The first record of artificial immunity was with smallpox, and Louis Pasteur’s germ theory showed the body can fight specific diseases. Some diseases mutate, requiring multiple vaccinations, while others, like tetanus, only provide short-term immunity. Artificial immunity is a means by which the […]
Specific immunity is the body’s learned immune response to foreign pathogens. Lymphocytes create antibodies and memory cells that remember encounters with specific pathogens, allowing the immune system to respond more quickly and accurately to prevent infection. Specific immunity can be acquired naturally or artificially through vaccination. Specific immunity is the body’s learned immune response to […]
Innate immunity is present at birth and includes the skin, mucous membranes, and white blood cells that fight pathogens. It is different from acquired immunity, which is created when the immune system fights a pathogen and creates antibodies. White blood cells have different roles in the innate immune system, including killing bacteria and viruses. Innate […]
Sovereign immunity protects rulers from liability for civil wrongs, but individual representatives can still be held accountable. Governments can waive immunity, and citizens can use lawsuits to challenge the law and force the government to address problems. However, reliance on sovereign immunity can draw the ire of citizens, especially in disputed cases. Sovereign immunity is […]
Passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one person to another, or from animal to human. It is short-lived and used when immediate protection is needed. Active immunity, created by vaccination, lasts longer and is preferred for long-term health. Passive immunity is a form of immunity that occurs when antibodies are transferred from one […]
Herd immunity occurs when a high percentage of a population is immune to a disease, preventing its spread. Vaccination policies aim to build community immunity, with thresholds varying depending on the disease. Regular boosters are important, and herd immunity has led to the eradication of smallpox and rare cases of polio and diphtheria. It is […]
Immunity is protection from infectious diseases provided by the immune system. There are three categories of immune protection: innate or acquired, active or passive, and natural or artificial. Immunity can be improved through various means, such as sanitation, diet, and pest control. Immunity is a state in which the body is protected from infectious diseases. […]
