Difference Between Innate Immunity And Adaptive Immunity
May 27, 2023 
written by Sidra Batool
written by Sidra BatoolThe main difference between innate immunity and adaptive immunity is that innate immunity provides a general defense against any antigen using components like leukocytes, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and plasma proteins, whereas adaptive immunity responds to specific antigens.
Innate Immunity vs. Adaptive Immunity
Here are the main differences between innate immunity and adaptive immunity:
| Aspect | Innate Immunity | Adaptive Immunity |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Immediate defense against any pathogen | Specific defense that develops over time |
| Activation | Active from birth | Activated upon encountering specific pathogens |
| Specificity | Recognizes general patterns on pathogens | Recognizes specific antigens on specific pathogens |
| Response Time | Rapid response within hours or days | Slower response that takes days or weeks |
| Memory | No memory of previous infections | Develops memory for faster future responses |
| Components | Physical barriers, phagocytic cells, natural killer cells | B cells, T cells, antigen-presenting cells |
| Target Range | Broad-spectrum defense | Tailored defense against encountered pathogen |
| Effectiveness | Provides immediate protection, but limited against complex infections | Highly effective in eliminating specific pathogens |
| Diversity | Limited diversity in response | High diversity generated through genetic recombination |
| Immunization | Does not require prior exposure | Requires prior exposure for specific response |
| Examples | Skin, phagocytic cells, natural killer cells | Antibody production, T cell response, immune memory |
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