acquired immunity

American  

noun

Immunology.

1. immunity arising from exposure to antigens.

---

acquired immunity British  

noun

1. the immunity produced by exposure of an organism to antigens, which stimulates the production of antibodies

---

acquired immunity Scientific  

1. Immunity that is not inherited. Acquired immunity can be active or passive.

2. ◆ Active immunity results from the development of antibodies in response to an antigen, as from exposure to an infectious disease or through vaccination.

3. ◆ Passive immunity results from the transmission of antibodies, as from mother to fetus through the placenta or by the injection of antiserum.

---

Etymology

Origin of acquired immunity

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

These broadly reactive antibodies likely represent a common mechanism of acquired immunity to severe malaria and offer novel insights for the design of a PfEMP1-based vaccine or treatment targeting severe malaria.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024

Even people with acquired immunity from Kraken were unable to mount an effective immune response.

From Salon • May 2, 2023

Still, the combination of acquired immunity through prior infection and vaccination — plus the refined boosters — have Mr. Biden hoping for a better winter this time.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2022

The decision came as countries across the bloc were loosening restrictions in response to the current rates of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity.

From New York Times • May 11, 2022

We now know the principle upon which protection is secured: an active acquired immunity follows upon an attack of a disease of a similar nature.

From The Evolution of Modern Medicine A Series of Lectures Delivered at Yale University on the Silliman Foundation in April, 1913 by Osler, William