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Immunity: Innate & Acquired QnA

Short Questions and Answers

 Acquired Immunity

Q1: What is acquired immunity?

A1: Acquired immunity, also known as adaptive immunity, is the body's ability to defend against specific pathogens after prior exposure or through vaccination.


Q2: What are the two main types of acquired immunity?

A2: There are two main types: humoral immunity, which involves antibodies, and cell-mediated immunity, which relies on immune cells.


Q3: How does the body develop acquired immunity?

A3: Acquired immunity develops through the recognition of specific antigens, which trigger the production of antibodies and memory immune cells.


Q4: What is the primary role of antibodies in acquired immunity?

A4: Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are proteins that target and neutralize pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.


Q5: What is the significance of memory cells in acquired immunity?

A5: Memory B and T cells "remember" previous infections or vaccinations, allowing for a faster and more robust response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.


Q6: How can acquired immunity be naturally acquired?

A6: Natural acquisition occurs through exposure to a pathogen during an infection, leading to the body building immunity.


Q7: What is artificial or vaccine-induced acquired immunity?

A7: Artificial immunity is achieved through vaccination, where a weakened or inactivated form of a pathogen is introduced to trigger an immune response without causing the disease.


Q8: What is the difference between active and passive acquired immunity?

A8: Active immunity is when the body produces antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination, while passive immunity involves receiving pre-made antibodies from an external source, like a mother to her baby.


Innate immunity


1. What is innate immunity?

   - Innate immunity is the first line of defense in the body's immune system. It provides immediate but nonspecific protection against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.


2. How does innate immunity work?

   - Innate immunity works through physical barriers (like the skin and mucous membranes), immune cells (such as neutrophils and macrophages), and proteins (like complement and interferons) to detect and eliminate invading pathogens.


3. What are some key components of the innate immune system?

   - Important components include phagocytes (cells that engulf and digest pathogens), natural killer cells (which destroy infected cells), and various antimicrobial proteins that help in the defense against infections.


4. Is innate immunity adaptive or specific?

   - No, innate immunity is not adaptive or specific. It doesn't provide long-lasting immunity to specific pathogens, and it doesn't adapt to new threats. It provides a rapid but generalized response to various invaders.


5. Can innate immunity be enhanced or modulated?

   - Yes, innate immunity can be enhanced through various means, such as vaccination to boost the initial response, and by promoting overall health through good nutrition and lifestyle choices, which support the immune system's function.

 

Cell mediated and humoral immunity


1. What is cell-mediated immunity?

   - Cell-mediated immunity is a type of immune response that involves specialized immune cells, such as T cells, recognizing and attacking infected or abnormal cells directly.


2. What is humoral immunity?

   - Humoral immunity is an immune response involving the production of antibodies (immunoglobulins) by B cells to neutralize pathogens like bacteria and viruses.


3. What are the main differences between cell-mediated and humoral immunity?

   - Cell-mediated immunity is focused on attacking infected cells directly, while humoral immunity targets pathogens in the bloodstream through antibodies. T cells are primarily responsible for cell-mediated immunity, while B cells are key players in humoral immunity.


4. How do T cells contribute to cell-mediated immunity?

   - T cells, specifically cytotoxic T cells, recognize and destroy infected or abnormal cells by releasing toxic substances or triggering apoptosis (cell death).


5. How do B cells participate in humoral immunity?

   - B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that can bind to and neutralize pathogens. This process helps prevent the spread of infections within the body.
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