RA2211030030039

ADITYA PANDEY
SECTION M
1. What do you understand by humoral and cell-
mediated immunity?
Humoral immunity is an antibody-mediated response
that occurs when foreign material - antigens - are
detected in the body. This foreign material typically
includes extracellular invaders such as bacteria. This
mechanism is primarily driven by B cell lymphocytes, a
type of immune cell that produces antibodies after the
detection of a specific antigen.

Unlike humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity does

not depend on antibodies for its adaptive immune
functions. Cell-mediated immunity is primarily driven
by mature T cells, macrophages, and the release of
cytokines in response to an antigen.T cells involved in
cell-mediated immunity rely on antigen-presenting cells
that contain membrane-bound MHC class I proteins in
order to recognize intracellular target antigens. The
binding specificity between MHC proteins and foreign
antigens is essential for the maturation and
differentiation of naïve T cells into helper or killer T
cells.Cell-mediated immunity typically comes into play
at body sites where cells are infected by a virus, bacteria,
or fungi (intracellular invaders). With the assistance of
MHC class I proteins, T cells can also recognize
cancerous cells.
2. Vaccines are very important for body
immunization. Justify.
A vaccine activates our immune system without making
us sick. Many dangerous infectious diseases can be
prevented in this simple and effective way.
From birth, we are constantly exposed to many different
viruses, bacteria and other microbes. Most are not
harmful, many are beneficial but some can cause
disease.

The body's immune system helps protect us against

infections. When we are exposed to infection, the
immune system triggers a series of responses to
neutralise the microbes and limit their harmful effects.
Exposure to an infectious disease often gives lifelong
protection (immunity) so we do not contract the same
disease again. Our immune system “remembers” the
microbe.
During vaccination, the body is exposed to either a
weakened microbe (bacteria or virus), fragments of a
microbe, or something that resembles the microbe.
When the active substances in the vaccine meet the
body's immune system, immune cells and antibodies are
produced that will recognise the "real" microbe. When
the vaccinated person encounters this microbe, the
immune system will provide a faster and better immune
response that can prevent disease. This is artificially
acquired active immunity.
3. Differentiate between active immunity and
passive immunity.

Active Immunity
Active immunity is usually long-lasting, sometimes life-long. It
is produced by the antibodies of the host in response to direct
contact with an antigen
It produces an immunological memory
When the antigens enter the body, antibodies and other
specialized lymphocytes are produced
There are no side-effects
Immunity does not occur immediately

Passive Immunity
Passive immunity lasts only for a few weeks or months. It is
produced by the introduction of antibodies from outside into the
host
It does not produce immunological memory
Antibodies are introduced from an external source. For
instance, a mother introduces antibodies to a foetus through the
placenta and to an infant via mother’s milk.
It may cause reactions
Immunity develops immediately