Active immunity occurs when the body produces its own antibodies in response to an antigen, such as after infection or vaccination. This type of immunity can be long-lasting, providing protection against specific pathogens.
Related terms
Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to specific antigens to neutralize or destroy them.
Antigens: Substances (usually proteins) on the surface of pathogens, vaccines, or foreign cells that trigger the immune response.
Vaccination: The process of stimulating active immunity by exposing the body to weakened or dead pathogens without causing disease, prompting the production of antibodies