Active immunity

Definition

Active immunity is the protection against disease through the production of antibodies by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen. This can occur naturally through infection or artificially through vaccination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active immunity involves memory cells that provide long-term protection against pathogens.
2. Vaccines are a primary method to induce active immunity without causing disease.
3. Unlike passive immunity, active immunity usually takes weeks to develop but lasts for years or even a lifetime.
4. Booster shots may be necessary to maintain active immunity against certain diseases over time.
5. Live attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines are two main types used to confer active immunity.

Review Questions

• What is the difference between active and passive immunity?
• How do vaccines contribute to active immunity?
• Why might booster shots be necessary for maintaining active immunity?

Related terms

Passive Immunity:

Short-term immunity provided by antibodies from another source, such as maternal antibodies or antibody-containing treatments.

Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies.

Memory Cells: Specialized immune cells that remember a specific pathogen and enable a rapid response upon re-exposure.