Acquired Immunity: Our Shield Against Future Pandemics

vidyarthee2021
Jun 3
2 min read

The WHO's Chief Scientist recently reassured that there's little cause for panic over new COVID-19 waves, thanks to the widespread acquired immunity developed over the past few years. This adaptive defense, developed naturally or through vaccination, plays a vital role in protecting populations against evolving pathogens.

What is Acquired Immunity?

Also called: Adaptive Immunity or Specific Immunity
Nature: Develops after exposure to a specific antigen (e.g., virus, bacteria, or vaccine).
Distinct from Innate Immunity: Unlike innate immunity (present from birth), acquired immunity is learned over time through exposure.
Highly Targeted: It tailors immune responses to specific invaders, making it more effective in long-term protection.

Key Components

Lymphocytes:
- B cells: Produce antibodies against antigens.
- T cells: Destroy infected cells and regulate immune responses.
Memory Cells: Retain information about past invaders for faster and stronger responses during re-exposure.

Acquired Immunity and COVID-19

Mass vaccination campaigns and natural infections have led to the development of immunity in large sections of the population.
This helps reduce the severity of reinfections and prevents large-scale hospitalization.
Public health policies now rely more on targeted protection and monitoring of vulnerable groups, rather than universal lockdowns.

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper 2: Issues relating to Health and the Role of WHO
GS Paper 3: Biotechnology in health, Immunology, and Pandemic Preparedness
Essay & Ethics: Science & Society – Role of research in public confidence

📘 Prelims Practice Question:

Q. With reference to Acquired Immunity, consider the following statements:

It is present at birth and provides immediate protection against infections.
It involves lymphocytes like B cells and T cells.
It creates immunological memory to respond quickly upon re-exposure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Acquired immunity is not present at birth; that's innate immunity.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct: It involves lymphocytes and forms memory cells for future defense.