RMK SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

THIRUVERKADU, CHENNAI-77

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023-‘2024

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT IN BIOLOGY

TOPIC
IMMUNITY AND ITS TYPES

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF: SUBMITTED BY:

Mrs. VANATHI LOGANATHAN N.KEERTHIVASAN

Reg No................

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CERTIFICATE

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that N.KEERTHIVASAN of class XII B of RMK Senior

Secondary School for the academic year 2023-’24

under Reg.No. .................................. and worked on the project

IMMUNITY AND ITS TYPES under my supervision. During this period
he/she was found to be sincere and hardworking.

PRINCIPAL Internal Examiner

Submitted during practical examination in Biology of the AISSCE held

on........................

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External Examiner

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is customary for me to acknowledge the contributions and

suggestions received from various sources.

First of all I would like to thank God almighty for giving me wisdom
and knowledge to showcase my talent.

I am very thankful to our Principal Mam Mrs.Sudha Malini for giving

me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project.

I wish to acknowledge the tremendous amount of help received from

my Biology Teacher Mrs.Vanathi Loganathan, without whose help
and encouragement it would not have been possible for me to
complete this project.

I wish to express my gratitude to all non-teaching staff who helped

me to complete my project.

Whatever words I choose cannot sufficiently express my deep sense

of gratitude towards my parents for their constant understanding,
assistance, inspiration and moral support in completing this project.

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I would also like to acknowledge my thanks to my friends for their
valuable suggestions and timely help.

IMMUNITY AND ITS

TYPES

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 CONTENT

S.no TOPIC Pg.no

1 INTRODUCTION 7
2 TYPES OF IMMUNITY 8
3 IMMUNODEFICIENCY 12
DISORDER
4 AUTOIMMUNE
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DISORDERS
5 ALLERGIES
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6 ACTIVE AND PASSIVE 20

IMMUNITY
7 CONCLUSION 23
8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 25

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 INTRODUCTION
Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist or defend against
potentially harmful substances, such as pathogens (microorganisms
like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) or abnormal cells,
including cancer cells. The immune system is a complex network of
cells, tissues, and organs working together to provide protection
against infections and diseases.It allows the body to recognize it as
foreign and defend and eventually remove this. This works for
everything in the body including bacteria, viruses, parasites, worms,
transplanted organs and even babies in rare cases.

Immunity
:-
Every day we are exposed to large number of infectious agents.
However, only a few of these exposures result in disease because our
body is able to defend itself from most of these foreign agents. This
overall ability of the host to fight the disease-causing organisms,
conferred by the immune system is called immunityHence, it is also
known as disease resistance.The lack of immunity is known as
susceptibility

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TYPES OF IMMUNITY:
There are two main types of immunity,and they are:
● Innate immunity
● Adaptive immunity

1. INNATE IMMUNITY:
The innate immune system is the body's
first line of defense against germs entering the body. It
responds in the same way to all germs and foreign
substances, which is why it is sometimes referred to as
the "nonspecific" immune system

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Non-Specific Defense Mechanisms: Innate immunity
is the first line of defense and provides immediate, but
non-specific, protection against a wide range of
pathogens. It includes physical and chemical
barriers.that prevent the entry of pathogens into the
body. Examples include the skin, mucous membranes,
stomach acid, and certain proteins in the blood.

Cellular Components: Phagocytes (such as neutrophils

and macrophages) are cells that engulf and digest
pathogens. Natural killer (NK) cells are another type of
innate immune cell that can recognize and destroy
infected or abnormal cells.

Inflammatory Response: When tissues are damaged or

infected, innate immunity triggers an inflammatory
response. This involves increased blood flow,
recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection, and
the release of signaling molecules to enhance the
immune response.

Examples of innate immunity include:

● Cough reflex
● Enzymes in tears and skin oils
● Mucus, which traps bacteria and small particles

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 ● Skin
● Stomach acid

Innate immunity also comes in a protein chemical form,

called innate humoral immunity. Examples include the
body's complement system and substances called
interferon and interleukin-1 (which causes fever).

If an antigen gets past these barriers, it is attacked and

destroyed by other parts of the immune system.

2.Adaptive (Acquired) Immunity:

● Specific Defense Mechanisms: Unlike innate
immunity, adaptive immunity is highly specific to
particular pathogens. It develops over time as the
body encounters and responds to specific antigens
(molecules that trigger an immune response).
Adaptive immunity has memory, meaning that the
body "remembers" past encounters with specific
pathogens, allowing for a faster and more effective
response upon re-exposure.
● Cell-Mediated Immunity: Involves the action of T
lymphocytes (T cells), which recognize and destroy
infected cells directly. T cells play a crucial role in
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 the immune response against intracellular
pathogens, such as viruses.
● Humoral Immunity: Involves the production of
antibodies by B lymphocytes (B cells). Antibodies
are proteins that can recognize and neutralize
pathogens or toxins in the bloodstream. Humoral
immunity is particularly effective against
extracellular pathogens.
● Immunological Memory: After an infection or
vaccination, the adaptive immune system
"remembers" the specific antigens it has
encountered. This memory allows for a quicker and
more robust response upon subsequent exposure to
the same pathogen.

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3.IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISORDER:

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Immunodeficiency disorders, also known as primary
immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD), are a group of
disorders characterized by a weakened or absent immune
system. The immune system is responsible for defending
the body against infections and diseases caused by
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful pathogens.
When the immune system is compromised, individuals are
more susceptible to recurrent and severe infections.
There are two main types of immunodeficiency disorders:
primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired). Primary
immunodeficiency disorders are usually genetic and
present from birth, whereas secondary immunodeficiency
disorders result from outside factors, such as infections,
medications, or other medical conditions.
Common symptoms of immunodeficiency disorders may
include:
1. Frequent, severe, or unusual infections: Individuals
with immunodeficiency disorders often experience
infections that are more severe or occur more
frequently than in individuals with a healthy immune
system.
2. Delayed growth and development: Children with
immunodeficiency disorders may exhibit delays in
growth and development.

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 3. Autoimmune diseases: Some immunodeficiency
disorders can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the
immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
4. Unexplained weight loss: Individuals with
immunodeficiency disorders may experience
unexplained weight loss due to chronic infections.
5. Recurrent respiratory infections: Frequent or severe
respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or
bronchitis, can be a sign of an immunodeficiency
disorder.
Treatment for immunodeficiency disorders depends on the
specific disorder and its underlying cause. It may include
medications such as antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or
immunoglobulin replacement therapy. In some cases, bone
marrow or stem cell transplantation may be considered.
It's important for individuals with suspected
immunodeficiency disorders to consult with a healthcare
professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate
management. Early detection and treatment can
significantly improve the quality of life for individuals
with immunodeficiency disorders.

4.AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS:

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 Autoimmune disorders are a group
of conditions in which the immune system mistakenly
attacks the body's own cells, tissues, and organs.
Normally, the immune system is designed to Identify
and destroy foreign invaders, such as bacteria and
viruses, to protect the body from infections. However,
in autoimmune disorders, the immune system loses its
ability to distinguish between foreign substances and
the body's own cells, leading to an immune response
against healthy tissues.
There are numerous autoimmune disorders, and they
can affect virtually any part of the body. Some common
autoimmune disorders include:
​ Rheumatoid Arthritis: Affecting the joints, causing
pain, swelling, and stiffness.
​ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Affecting
various organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys,
heart, lungs, blood cells, and brain.
​ Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks and
destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas,
leading to insulin deficiency.
​ Multiple Sclerosis: Affects the central nervous
system, causing problems with coordination,
balance, and muscle control.

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 ​ Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten,
a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causing
damage to the small intestine.
​ Psoriasis: Involves the rapid buildup of skin cells,
resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin.
​ Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause
inflammation of the digestive tract.
​ Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: The immune system
attacks the thyroid gland, leading to
hypothyroidism.
​ Graves' Disease: The immune system stimulates
the thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormones,
leading to hyperthyroidism.
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is not fully
understood, but it is believed to involve a combination
of genetic and environmental factors. Women are more
commonly affected than men, and these disorders often
emerge during childbearing years.
Management of autoimmune disorders typically
involves suppressing the immune system to reduce
inflammation and prevent further damage to the
affected tissues. This may be achieved through
medications such as corticosteroids,
immunosuppressants, and disease-modifying

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antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Additionally, lifestyle
modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise,
and stress management can play a supportive role in
managing these conditions.
It's important for individuals with autoimmune
disorders to work closely with healthcare professionals
to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the
specific condition and its severity.

5.ALLERGIES:
Allergies refer to hypersensitive reactions of the
immune system to substances that are typically
harmless to most people. These substances, known as
allergens, can trigger an immune response in certain
individuals, leading to various symptoms ranging from
mild to severe.
Types of Allergies:
​ Respiratory Allergies:
● Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis): Caused by
airborne allergens like pollen and mold spores,
leading to symptoms such as sneezing, nasal
congestion, and itchy eyes.

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 ● Asthma: Allergic asthma involves the airways'
hypersensitivity to allergens, leading to
breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing.
​ Food Allergies:
● Common Allergens: Include nuts, shellfish,
eggs, milk, and wheat.
● Symptoms: Can range from mild digestive
discomfort to severe anaphylaxis, a
life-threatening reaction.
​ Skin Allergies:
● Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by contact with
certain substances, such as poison ivy or
certain metals, causing redness, itching, and
rash.
● Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Chronic skin
inflammation often associated with allergies,
characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin.
​ Insect Sting Allergies:
● Bee and Wasp Stings: Some individuals may
experience severe allergic reactions to insect
venom, leading to symptoms like swelling,
hives, and difficulty breathing.
​ Drug Allergies:
● Penicillin Allergy: One of the most common
drug allergies, but various medications can
cause allergic reactions ranging from mild
rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
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Immune Response in Allergies:
​ Sensitization: The first exposure to an allergen
sensitizes the immune system. During this phase,
the body produces specific antibodies called
immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to the
allergen.
​ Subsequent Exposure: Upon re-exposure to the
same allergen, the allergen binds to IgE antibodies
on the surface of mast cells and basophils,
triggering the release of chemical mediators, such
as histamine.
​ Histamine Release: Histamine and other mediators
cause various allergic symptoms, including:
● Inflammation: Swelling, redness, and warmth
at the site of exposure.
● Smooth Muscle Contraction: Constriction of
airways (bronchoconstriction) in the case of
respiratory allergies, leading to symptoms like
wheezing.
● Increased Permeability of Blood Vessels: This
can result in fluid leakage, leading to
symptoms like hives and edema.
Understanding the immune response in allergies is
crucial for developing effective treatments, such as

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antihistamines, corticosteroids, and, in severe cases,
epinephrine for immediate intervention in anaphylaxis.

Active Immunity:

​ Definition:
● Natural Active Immunity: Occurs when a
person is exposed to a live pathogen, develops
the disease, and the immune system produces a
response, including memory cells. This type of
immunity usually provides long-lasting
protection.
● Artificial Active Immunity: Results from
vaccination or immunization. Vaccines contain
weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens or
their antigens, stimulating the immune system
to produce an immune response and memory
cells without causing the disease.
​ Process:
● The immune system recognizes the foreign
pathogen or antigen.
● B cells are activated, and antibodies are
produced to neutralize or eliminate the
pathogen.

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 ● Memory cells are created, providing long-term
protection against future exposure to the same
pathogen.
​ Duration:
● Natural active immunity can last for a long
time, often for years or even a lifetime.
● Artificial active immunity may require booster
shots to maintain protection over time.
Passive Immunity:

​ Definition:
● Natural Passive Immunity: Transferred from
mother to baby through breast milk or across
the placenta during pregnancy. This provides
temporary protection to the infant.
● Artificial Passive Immunity: Involves the
injection of antibodies from an external source,
such as immune serum or purified antibodies.
This type of immunity provides immediate but
temporary protection.
​ Process:
● Antibodies are directly transferred to an
individual, providing instant immunity without
the need for the immune system to produce its
own antibodies.
​ Duration:

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 ● Passive immunity is temporary, as the
transferred antibodies gradually decrease over
time.
● It does not result in the formation of memory
cells, so there is no long-term protection.
Key Differences:

● Source of Immunity:
● Active immunity comes from the body's own
immune response.
● Passive immunity comes from receiving
antibodies from an external source.
● Timing of Protection:
● Active immunity takes time to develop, but it
often provides long-lasting protection.
● Passive immunity provides immediate
protection but is temporary.
● Memory Cells:
● Active immunity involves the production of
memory cells, contributing to long-term
protection.
● Passive immunity does not involve the
production of memory cells, so there is no
long-term protection.
Both active and passive immunity play crucial roles in
protecting the body from infections, and vaccination is
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a powerful tool that harnesses the principles of active
immunity to prevent and control diseases.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, immunity plays a crucial role in safeguarding the body

against harmful pathogens and diseases. The immune system is a

complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to

identify and eliminate invaders. It operates through a combination of

innate and adaptive responses, providing a robust defense mechanism.

Understanding the factors that contribute to a strong immune system

is essential for maintaining overall health. Proper nutrition, regular

exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management are key components

that support immune function. Additionally, vaccinations play a vital

role in enhancing immunity by training the immune system to

recognize and respond effectively to specific pathogens.

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It's important to recognize that immunity is a dynamic and adaptable

system. Various lifestyle factors and environmental influences can

impact its effectiveness. Therefore, adopting a holistic approach to

health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being, is

essential for maintaining a resilient immune system.

In the face of global health challenges, such as infectious diseases and

pandemics, fostering community immunity through widespread

vaccination is critical. Collective efforts to promote public health

measures, including vaccination campaigns and hygiene practices,

contribute to the overall resilience of populations against infectious

threats.

Ultimately, the intricate interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and

environmental factors underscores the complexity of immunity.

Ongoing research and public health initiatives are vital for advancing

our understanding of immune function and developing strategies to

optimize and support this essential aspect of human health.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
https://chat.openai.com/c/30b2ec03-86ff-469b-b950-77
aea38dae70
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000821.htm

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