Our immune system plays a considerable role in protecting us against harmful pathogens that threaten our well-being and cause our body to experience unimaginable pain.
In order to improve our immune system, we need to first understand the different types of immunities that exist to keep us safe. There are two types of basic immunities- passive and active. Passive immunity comes about when we are kept safe from a pathogen via an immunity we gained from an external host. In contrast, active immunity takes place within our own system and works to protect us from dangerous pathogens.
Active Immunity
Active immunity occurs when we are exposed to dangerous microorganisms that trigger our immune system to create antibodies to counter the disease naturally. Most people tend to rely on this immunity more than passive immunity.
On an everyday basis, we are surrounded by potential pathogens- they can be in the food we eat, the air we breathe, or even the things we come in touch with. The reason why our health isn't in a constant state of disarray is that most of these pathogens are harmless, or our immune system has already neutralized its dangerous effects.
Another reason why active immunity is so important is because it lasts longer in a form of immunologic memory, which consists of the B and T cells. These cells recognize specific pathogens, and when in the presence of said microorganisms, they are activated by multiplying in number and alerting other functions of the immune system as well.
Passive Immunity
When active immunity fails on us, passive immunity is the second course of action we take. Passive immunity is gained through diverse ways when our immune system isn't strong enough to handle the current dangers of entering our body.
A common example can be the immunity passed on from mothers to their unborn or newborn babies. There are two ways in which these antibodies are shared-through the placenta and breast milk. The blood that circulates through a pregnant woman's placenta transports protective antibodies and nourishment to the growing fetus.
Similarly, new born babies get antibodies from breast milk, which is particularly high in protein content that is enriched with stronger antibodies. It helps build up the immune system of a baby at a stage where it has no immunity and is exposed to many pathogens surrounding it.
Even though passive immunity can be life-saving, it is short-lived due to the lack of replenishment from its original source.
There still continues to be more research being conducted in helping the body come up with different types of immunities to counter incurable disease pathogens and completely diminish them.
Paul Earnest Love, M.D., Ph.D., is an American Board Certified Clinical Pathologist and immunologist who has served many years in the medical industry and devoting all his time in immunology research.
As a Senior Investigator at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Dr. Love has been involved in independent research based on understanding the functions of the multiple signal-transducing modules designated Immuno-receptor-Tyrosine-based-Activation-Motifs (ITAMs) within the TCR.
Dr. Love firmly believes that such innovative approaches are necessary to conduct better research that will bring about further improvements and promising results within the medical sector.