Artificial immunity in animals refers to protection from disease that is gained through external means, rather than being developed naturally through exposure to a pathogen. One specific form of this, as described in the provided reference, is artificially-acquired passive immunity.
Understanding Artificially Acquired Passive Immunity
According to the information provided, artificially-acquired passive immunity offers an immediate, but short-term immunization. This type of immunity is not generated by the animal's own immune system in response to an infection or vaccination.
Instead, it is provided by the injection of antibodies. A common example mentioned is the injection of gamma globulin, which contains these protective antibodies.
How It Works: The Role of Antibodies
The key characteristic of artificially-acquired passive immunity is that the antibodies injected are not produced by the recipient's cells. The animal receiving the injection does not have to create its own immune response to gain this protection.
Origin of the Antibodies
So, where do these antibodies come from? The antibodies used for this type of immunity are developed in another individual or animal. This means antibodies harvested from an animal or human who has previously developed immunity (either naturally or through vaccination) are then purified and prepared for injection. The process involves these antibodies being "developed in another individual or animal and then injected into another individual."
Key Characteristics of Artificially-Acquired Passive Immunity
Based on this description, artificially-acquired passive immunity can be summarized by these points:
- Immediate Protection: Provides defense right away, as the antibodies are already formed and ready to act.
- Short-Term Duration: The protection lasts only as long as the injected antibodies remain active in the body; the animal does not develop immunological memory from this process.
- External Source: The protective antibodies originate from outside the recipient animal's body.
- Passive Transfer: The recipient's immune system is not actively involved in generating the immunity; it simply receives the ready-made antibodies.
This method is often used when an animal needs rapid protection against a specific disease, such as after potential exposure to a pathogen, or in very young or immunocompromised animals that cannot mount a strong active immune response.
