What is the difference between specific and nonspecific immunity

The immunoglobulin formed is IgM. The primary response is of a smaller magnitude than the secondary response. After the primary response, some T and B cells mature into memory cells.

These cells act as a shortcut; when the antigen enters the body a second time all the initial steps are bypassed. This secondary response is much larger and much quicker. The main immunoglobulin is IgG. Non-specific immunity is a set of defenses effective against all the invaders while specific immunity is a highly focused and targeted response. Non-specific immunity is the first line of defense whereas specific immunity is the second line of defense. Moreover, non-specific immunity includes effector cells like white blood cells and macrophages while specific immune response includes cells like lymphocytes, antigen presenting cells, and memory cells.

Most importantly, non-specific immunity does not form a defensive memory while specific immunity does. Immunity is categorized into two types; Specific or nonspecific immunity. Specific immunity is the production of antibodies against a particular antigen.

Nonspecific immunity, on the other hand, is the immunity directed against all types of antigens without selecting a specific type. Specific immunity occurs via lymphocytes; T cells and B cells, antibodies while nonspecific immunity occurs in many ways such as inflammation, fever, skin, mucous membrane, phagocytic white blood cells, antimicrobial substances, etc.

Thus, this is the difference between specific and nonspecific immunity. Your email address will not be published. Figure Nonspecific Immunity — Skin. Figure Specific Immunity. Samanka is passionate about educating the general public on common diseases. Natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils.

Tell us what you think about Healio. Begin your journey with Learn Immuno-Oncology. Test your knowledge and determine where to start. Combination Immunotherapies References. Visit Healio. Your Module Progress. Module 1. Module Content. Thank you for participating in this module. Click below to download the certificate. An efficient immune response protects against many diseases and disorders.

An inefficient immune response allows diseases to develop. Too much, too little, or the wrong immune response causes immune system disorders. An overactive immune response can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases , in which antibodies form against the body's own tissues. Innate immunity; Humoral immunity; Cellular immunity; Immunity; Inflammatory response; Acquired adaptive immunity. Properties and overview of immune responses. Cellular and Molecular Immunology.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 1. Bankova L, Barrett N. Innate immunity. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. Mechanisms of inflammation and tissue repair. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Tuano KS, Chinen J. Adaptive immunity. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 2. Updated by: Stuart I. Editorial team. Immune response. Examples of innate immunity include: Cough reflex Enzymes in tears and skin oils Mucus, which traps bacteria and small particles Skin Stomach acid Innate immunity also comes in a protein chemical form, called innate humoral immunity.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. There are B and T type lymphocytes. B lymphocytes become cells that produce antibodies. Antibodies attach to a specific antigen and make it easier for the immune cells to destroy the antigen.

T lymphocytes attack antigens directly and help control the immune response. They also release chemicals, known as cytokines, which control the entire immune response.