IMMUNITY

DEFINITION AND TYPES OF IMMUNITY

Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist pathogenic agents, including bacteria,

viruses, and toxic substances, preventing the entry of foreign bodies.

Immunity is of two types:

I. Innate immunity.

II. Acquired immunity

INNATE IMMUNITY OR NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNITY

Innate immunity, also known as natural or non-specific immunity, is the body's inborn

capacity to resist pathogens, eliminating them before disease development.

This type of immunity represents the first line of defense against any type of

pathogens. Therefore, it is also called non-specific immunity.

Mechanisms of Innate Immunity

Various mechanisms of innate immunity. Below are Structures and Mediators with

their Mechanism

 Gastrointestinal tract

Enzymes in digestive juices and the acid in stomach destroy the toxic substances or

organisms entering digestive tract through food

Lysozyme present in saliva destroys bacteria

 Respiratory system

Defensins and cathelicidins in epithelial cells of air passage are antimicrobial peptides

Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells present in lungs act

against bacteria and virus

 Urinogenital system
Acidity in urine and vaginal fluid destroy the bacteria

 Skin

The keratinized stratum corneum of epidermis protects the skin against toxic

chemicals

The β-defensins in skin are antimicrobial peptides

Lysozyme secreted in skin destroys bacteria

 Phagocytic cells

Neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages ingest and destroy the microorganisms and

foreign bodies by phagocytosis

 Interferons

Inhibit multiplication of viruses, parasites and cancer cells

 Complement proteins

Accelerate the destruction of microorganisms

ACQUIRED IMMUNITY OR SPECIFIC IMMUNITY

Acquired immunity is the resistance developed in the body against any specific

foreign body like bacteria, viruses, toxins, vaccines or transplanted tissues. So, this

type of immunity is also known as specific immunity. It is the most powerful immune

mechanism that protects the body from the invading organisms or toxic substances.

Lymphocytes are responsible for acquired immunity

Types of Acquired Immunity

Two types of acquired immunity develop in the body:

1. Cellular immunity

2. Humoral immunity.

Lymphocytes are responsible for the development of these two types of immunity.
DEVELOPMENT OF CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY

Cell-mediated immunity is defined as the immunity developed by cell-mediated

response. It is also called cellular immunity or T cell immunity. It involves several

types of cells such as T lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells and hence

the name cell mediated immunity. Cell-mediated immunity does not involve

antibodies. It involves several types of cells such as T lymphocytes, macrophages and

natural killer cells and hence the name cell mediated immunity. Cell-mediated

immunity does not involve antibodies. Cellular immunity is the major defense

mechanism against infections by viruses, fungi and few bacteria like tubercle bacillus.

It is also responsible for delayed allergic reactions and the rejection of transplanted

tissues. it starts developing when T cells come in contact with the antigens. Usually,

the invading microbial or non-microbial organisms carry the antigenic materials.

These antigenic materials are released from invading organisms and are presented to

the helper T cells by antigen-presenting cells.

DEVELOPMENT OF HUMORAL IMMUNITY

Humoral immunity is defined as the immunity mediated by antibodies, which are

secreted by B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes secrete the antibodies into the blood and

lymph. Since the B lymphocytes provide immunity through humors, this type of

immunity is called humoral immunity or B cell immunity. These antibodies fight

against the invading organisms. The humoral immunity is the major defense

mechanism against the bacterial infection.

Immunization is defined as the procedure by which the body is prepared to fight

against a specific disease. It is used to induce the immune resistance of the body to a

specific disease

Immunization is of two types:

1. Passive immunization

2. Active immunization.

PASSIVE IMMUNIZATION

Passive immunization or immunity is produced without challenging the immune

system of the body. It is done by administration of serum or gamma globulins from a

person who is already immunized (affected by the disease) to a non-immune person.

Passive immunization is acquired either naturally or artificially.

 Passive Natural Immunization

Passive natural immunization is acquired from the mother before and after birth.

Before birth, immunity is transferred from mother to the fetus in the form of

maternal antibodies (mainly IgG) through placenta. After birth, the antibodies (IgA)

are transferred through breast milk. Lymphocytes of the child are not activated. In

addi tion, the antibodies received from the mother are metabolized soon. Therefore,

the passive immunity is short lived. The significance of passive immunity that is

obtained before birth is the prevention of Rh incompatibility in pregnancy.

 Passive Artificial Immunization

Passive artificial immunization is developed by injecting previously prepared

antibodies using serum from humans or animals. Antibodies are obtained from the
persons affected by the disease or from animals, particularly horses which have been

immunized artificially. The serum containing the antibody (antiserum) is administered

to people who have developed the disease (therapeutic). It is also used as a

prophylactic measure.

ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION

Active immunization or immunity is acquired by activating immune system of the

body. Body develops resistance against disease by producing antibodies following the

exposure to antigens. Active immunity is acquired either naturally or artificially.

 Active Natural Immunization

Naturally acquired active immunity involves activation of immune system in the body

to produce antibodies. It is achieved in both clinical and subclinical infections.

 Active Artificial Immunization

Active artificial immunization is a type of immunization is achieved by the

administration of vaccines or toxoids.

1. K. Sembulingam Essentials of physiology. Chapter17