innate immunity
noun
: immunity possessed by a group (as a species or race) that is present in an individual at birth prior to exposure to a pathogen or antigen and that includes components (as intact skin, salivary enzymes, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and complement) which provide an initial response against infection
called also natural immunity
compare acquired immunity, active immunity, passive immunityDictionary Entries Near innate immunity
Cite this Entry
“Innate immunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/innate%20immunity. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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