How is active immunity different from passive immunity

Our bodies develop immunity against disease in different ways. When we contract relatively mild illnesses like chickenpox and the measles – typically as children – we usually develop natural, lifelong immunity against them after infection activates our immune systems. Getting vaccinated against more serious diseases like COVID-19 and influenza (the flu) is another way to become actively immune to a disease. It’s uncommon for people to naturally develop long-lasting immunity against diseases like these, so getting vaccinated multiple times against them helps soften the virus’ strength. Passive immunity occurs when a person receives antibodies from someone else. Passive immunity does not require previous exposure to a disease agent – either through infection or vaccination – like active immunity does. Here is a further breakdown of these two forms of immunity.

Natural activitE immunity

When we breathe in new air, eat new food or touch unfamiliar things, the natural, active immunity in our bodies usually springs into action.  The active immune response can take days or even weeks to develop. Once it does develop, it’s long-lasting – sometimes even lifelong.

Vaccine-induced active immunity

Also known as artificial active immunity, vaccine-induced immunity gives our bodies a controlled way to create an immune response. When a weakened or dead form of a disease organism is injected into our bodies or administered via the mouth or as a nasal spray, that’s vaccine-induced immunity.  Examples include:

  • The COVID-19 vaccine
  • The flu vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are the safest way to build immunity against COVID because they cause a strong immune response. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine gives a high level of protection against the disease while providing an added layer of protection for those who have already had it. When we are vaccinated against COVID we typically have a higher initial immune response and a longer immune memory than unvaccinated people who have recovered from COVID-19 and developed a semblance of natural immunity. The flu can be serious among young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s why getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking illness to gain immune protection. A drawback to active immunity is that it doesn’t protect us against mutations of diseases that the body already has antibodies to, so when diseases mutate, they change structure in ways that our immune systems can’t recognize.

Passive Immunity

Passive immunity occurs when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing them through their own immune systems. Passive immunity does not require previous exposure to a disease agent – either through infection or vaccination – like active immunity does.  An example of passive immunity is when a baby acquires maternal antibodies transferred through its mother’s breastmilk or placenta. Another example of passive immunity occurs when people are treated with antibody-containing blood products, such as immune globulin. Immune globulin shots are designed to provide temporary, but swift protection against diseases like:

  • Hepatitis
  • Rabies
  • Tetanus

The difference between active and passive immunity

Unlike active immunity, passive immunity provides immediate protection. But that protection is generally short-lived, as the supply of antibodies is not being replenished like they would be in someone whose own immune system was generating them.  If you’re wondering why vaccine-induced immunity is considered a form of active immunity, while immune globulin shots are passive, it is because immune globulin is a substance made up of antibodies that are naturally made by the body to provide protection from certain diseases. A vaccine is made up of actual viruses or bacteria that stimulate the body to make more antibodies. So, in the case of vaccines, your body still doing the heavy lifting. Your immune system treats the viruses and bacteria like any other exposure and begins actively fighting it. We rely on active and passive immunity to contribute to a well-equipped and strong immune system. Photo credit: Getty Images Keep reading:

The immune system protects the body from a variety of pathogens and toxins. Innate immunity provides the first line defense against pathogens through physical and chemical barriers such as skin, mucus layers, and saliva. The second line defense is also generated by innate immunity through phagocytes. The third line defense is generated by adaptive immunity. Active and passive immunity are two types of adaptive immunity. Both active and passive immunity deal with antibodies. The main difference between active and passive immunity is that active immunity is developed by the production of antibodies by person’s own body whereas passive immunity is developed by the antibodies which are produced outside.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Active Immunity
      – Definition, Features, Types
2. What is Passive Immunity
      – Definition, Features, Types
3. What are the Similarities Between Active and Passive Immunity
      – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Adaptive Immunity, Antibodies, Antigens, Artificially-Acquired Active Immunity, Artificially-Acquired Passive Immunity, Naturally-Acquired Active Immunity, Artificially-Acquired Passive Immunity

How is active immunity different from passive immunity

What is Active Immunity

Active immunity refers to an immunity which results from the production of antibodies by the person’s own immune system in response to a direct contact of an antigen. The two types of active immunity are naturally-acquired active immunity and artificially-acquired active immunity. In naturally-acquired active immunity, the body is naturally exposed to antigens. The surface molecules of the antigen serve as epitopes for the production of antibodies. T cells (cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells), antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells and macrophages), and B cells (memory B cells and plasma B cells) are involved in naturally-acquired active immunity. Since the immune system of the body produces the antibody by itself, it takes time to acquire naturally-acquired active immunity.

How is active immunity different from passive immunity

Figure 1: Active Immunity

During artificially-acquired active immunity, the antigens are artificially introduced into the body in the form of vaccines. The immune response to the first exposure to the pathogen is called the primary response. The secondary response occurs at the second exposure to the pathogen, and it generates a much stronger immune response. Due to the production of memory cells, active immunity lasts a long time.

What is Passive Immunity

Passive immunity refers to a short-term immunity, which results from the introduction of antibodies from the outside. Thereby, passive immunity does not require s direct exposure of the body to the pathogens. Since antibodies are introduced into the body, the immune response can be generated rapidly. But, passive immunity only lasts for several days. The different mechanisms of acquiring immunity are shown in figure 2.

How is active immunity different from passive immunity

Figure 2: Acquisition of Immunity

Passive immunity can be two types; naturally-acquired passive immunity or artificially-acquired passive immunity. Naturally-acquired passive immunity is the transmission of antibodies from mother to the child through colostrum and breast milk. Artificially-acquired passive immunity is the injection of antisera and the injection of snake antivenom.

Similarities Between Active and Passive Immunity

  • Both active and passive immunity are two types of adaptive immunity.
  • Both active and passive immunity deal with antibodies.
  • Both active and passive immunity can be either naturally-acquired or artificially-acquired.

Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity

Definition

Active Immunity:Active immunity refers to immunity, which results from the production of antibodies by the person’s own immune system in response to a direct contact of an antigen.

Passive Immunity:Passive immunity refers to a short-term immunity which results from the introduction of antibodies from the outside.

Antibodies

Active Immunity:Active immunity is mediated by the antibodies produced by the person’s own cells.

Passive Immunity:Passive immunity is mediated by the antibodies produced outside the body.

Pathogen

Active Immunity:The pathogen has direct contact with the body.

Passive Immunity: The pathogen has no direct contact with the body.

Response Time

Active Immunity:Active immunity does not generate a rapid response.

Passive Immunity:Passive immunity generates a rapid response.

Last for

Active Immunity: Active immunity may last for a long time (lifelong).

Passive Immunity:Passive immunity may not last for a long time (2 to 3 days).

Immunological Memory

Active Immunity: Active immunity generates an immunological memory.

Passive Immunity: Passive immunity does not generate an immunological memory.

Side Effects

Active Immunity: Side effects of the adaptive immunity are very low.

Passive Immunity:The body may react to antisera.

In Immunodeficient Hosts

Active Immunity:Active immunity does not work in immunodeficient hosts.

Passive Immunity: Passive immunity works in immunodeficient hosts.

Conclusion

Active and passive immunity are two types of immunities in the antibody-mediated immunity. Active immunity is mediated by antibodies produced by the person’s own body. Passive immunity is mediated by the antibodies produced outside. Passive immunity can be used to generate a rapid immune response. The main difference between active and passive immunity is the origin of antibodies used in each type of immunities.

Reference:

1.“Active Immunity: Definition, Types & Examples.” Study.com, Available here.
2.“Passive Immunization.” History of Vaccines, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “B cell activation” By Fred the Oysteri. – The Immune System (pdf) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 
2. “OSC Microbio 18 05 graph” By CNX OpenStax – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

How is active immunity different from passive immunity

What is the difference between active immunity and passive immunity quizlet?

What is the key difference between active immunity and passive immunity? In active immunity, a body produces its own antibodies; in passive immunity, a person receives pre-made antibodies.

What is active immunity and passive immunity with examples?

Immunization of chickenpox, hepatitis, flu, and polio are some examples of active immunity. A baby receiving antibodies from her mother's breast milk and injection of antisera are examples of passive immunity.