Active Immunity (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Active immunity: Extended

Spec point — Describe active immunity as defence against a pathogen by antibody production in the body

Extended Tier Only

• Making antibodies and developing memory cells for future response to infection is known as active immunity

• There are two ways in which this active immune response happens:

  • the body has become infected with a pathogen and so the lymphocytes go through the process of making antibodies specific to that pathogen
  • vaccination

• Active immunity is slow acting and provides long-lasting immunity