Organism Attribute
innate immunity
[ ih-neyt, in-eyt ih-myoo-ni-tee ]
Subclass of:
Immune response
Definitions related to immunity, innate:
  • (innate immunity) The body's basic defenses against disease or infection that are present from birth.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • The capacity of a normal organism to remain unaffected by microorganisms and their toxins. It results from the presence of naturally occurring ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS, constitutional factors such as BODY TEMPERATURE and immediate acting immune cells such as NATURAL KILLER CELLS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • (innate immune response) Innate immune responses are defense responses mediated by germline encoded components that directly recognize components of potential pathogens.
    Gene Ontology Dictionary
    Gene Ontology Consortium, 2021
  • One of the body's lines of defense (immune system) involves white blood cells (leukocytes) that travel through the bloodstream and into tissues, searching for and attacking microorganisms and other invaders.
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.