The immune response encompasses specific reactions to antigenic stimuli and has a broader scope than protection against infection.
Definition and outcomes
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The immune response is the specific reactivity induced in a host by an antigenic stimulus.
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Although generally equated with protection against invading microorganisms in infectious disease, it includes reactions against any antigen, living or non-living.
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Its consequences may be beneficial, unavailing or injurious to the host.
Tolerance
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The immune response also includes tolerance: specific non-reactivity induced by certain types of antigenic stimuli.