Characteristics of Acquired Immunity:
Pathogen-specific/characterized by memory/ Acquired after the birth of two types Active and passive humoral and cell-mediated includes primary response and secondary response.
Way by which it can be attained by humans.Active immunity by encountering a pathogen/virulent microbe suffering from contagious disease. passive immunity through immunization readymade antibodies.
Detailed
Acquired immunity is pathogen-specific. It is not present since birth' It develops.during an individual's lifetime. It is characterized by the memory of the first encounter with the pathogen, which helps in producing intensive secondary response when the pathogen attacks the second time. It has the ability to distinguish different types of foreign molecules or antigens. It is of two types
(a)Active immunity which develops in the body when it is exposed to the antigens or the pathogens and
(b) Passive immunity which is bestowed by antibodies directly given to the body.
Active immunity may be attained by the humans by introducing the pathogen either during immunization or by any infection while passive immunity develops by readymade ar.rtibodles e.g. the antibodies received by fetus by mother. The cells which are responsible for producing acquired immune response are T lymphocytes & B-lymphocytes. They produce antibodies which defend the body against the pathogen.
