Question

Short-lived immunity which is acquired from mother, via the placenta or through mother’s milk to the infant is categorized as
A. Cellular immunity
B. Innate non-specific immunity
C. Active immunity
D. Passive immunity

Answer 1

Hint: Edward Jenner was the first person to create a vaccine for smallpox.Hint: Immunity is the ability of a multicellular organism to counter harmful foreign invasions. It is both specific and non-specific. Specific immunity is referred to as adaptive immunity which takes a long time to develop while non-specific immunity comprises physical barriers like skin, mucus, tears, etc.

Complete answer:
1. Cellular immunity or cell-mediated immune response involves activation of phagocytes with the help of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) which are recognized by the pattern recognition receptors on the surface of phagocytes. It also involves antigen mediated activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and release of a variety of cytokines.
2. Innate non-specific immunity is the primary line of defense in our immune system. As the name suggests, it is nonspecific. It includes anatomical barriers like epithelial layers, mucosal and glandular tissues, pH levels, Lysozyme in tears, etc.
3. Active immunity is the immunity that develops in the body after an encounter with the pathogen. It takes a longer time to respond but is said to have a memory to counter the same pathogen more efficiently in the future. Example: People who have had chickenpox do not have it again because the body has already been immune to that pathogen.
4. Passive immunity is developed by administering the person with preformed antibodies from the body of another human being or from an animal. For example, it occurs naturally when the antibodies are transferred from a mother to her fetus through the placenta.

-Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Passive Immunity.

Note:
- Antivenom and Rabies vaccine is a type of passive immunity.
- Louis Pasteur is the father of immunology.