acquired immunity

American  

noun

Immunology.

1. immunity arising from exposure to antigens.

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acquired immunity British  

noun

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

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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.

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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

Each illness gives the virus ample opportunity to reproduce, allowing for mutations that give it new advantages against vaccines and acquired immunity.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2022

A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2022

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

Under West German law at the time, a citizen-spy who surrendered himself before the state discovered the crime, and thus averted more damage to the state, acquired immunity from prosecution.

From Underground by Dreyfus, Suelette