MP Board · Class 12 · Biology · Human Health and DiseasesDefine Immunity and differentiate briefly between Innate and Acquired Immunity.

Immunity is the overall ability of the host organism to resist or fight against disease-causing pathogens, mediated by its immune system. Immunity is broadly categorized into two main types: Innate immunity and Acquired immunity. Innate immunity is a non-specific defense mechanism present from the time of birth, providing barriers like physical, physiological, cellular, and cytokine barriers. On the other hand, acquired immunity is pathogen-specific, characterized by memory, and is developed during an individual's lifetime through exposure to foreign antigens or pathogens.