What is the Difference Between Innate Immunity and Acquired Immunity?

The difference between innate immunity and acquired immunity lies in their origin, specificity, and response time. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Origin: Innate immunity is inborn and present from birth due to genetic or constitutional factors, while acquired immunity develops during the course of life as an individual is exposed to diseases or receives vaccinations.
• Specificity: Innate immunity is non-specific, meaning it does not differentiate between types of pathogens and provides a general response to any foreign substance. Acquired immunity, on the other hand, is specific and responds to specific antigens.
• Response Time: Innate immunity is immediate and serves as the body's first line of defense against pathogens. Acquired immunity takes time to develop (days to weeks) and is considered the second line of defense if pathogens pass through the innate immunity.
• Immunological Memory: Innate immunity does not have a memory, meaning it reacts with equal potency upon repeated exposure to the same pathogen. Acquired immunity has a memory, and the presence of memory cells triggers a faster and more potent response when re-exposed to the same pathogen.

In summary, innate immunity is a non-specific, inborn defense mechanism that acts immediately against foreign substances, while acquired immunity is a specific, adaptive response that develops during an individual's lifetime and has a memory for previous exposures to pathogens.

Comparative Table: Innate Immunity vs Acquired Immunity

Here is a table summarizing the differences between innate immunity and acquired immunity:

Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and is present at birth, while acquired immunity is built up as we are exposed to diseases or get vaccinated. Innate immunity is non-specific and has a rapid response, whereas acquired immunity is specific and has a slower response. Acquired immunity can also "remember" past encounters with pathogens, which innate immunity cannot do.