What type of immunity is achieved by the transfer of antibodies through the placenta?

The transfer of antibodies through the placenta to an unborn fetus is an example of naturally acquired passive immunity. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are passed from one individual to another without the recipient’s immune system actively producing those antibodies.

In the context of pregnancy, the mother’s immune system produces antibodies against various pathogens, and these antibodies are transported across the placenta to the developing fetus. This provides the newborn with immediate protection against infections during the early months of life until its own immune system matures and begins to produce its own antibodies.

Naturally acquired passive immunity is crucial as it helps to protect the infant during a vulnerable period when they are more susceptible to infections, but it is temporary because the transferred antibodies will eventually degrade and the infant will require its own active immune response to develop long-term immunity.

Other types of immunity, such as artificially acquired active immunity, involve vaccination where the immune system is stimulated to produce its own antibodies. Naturally acquired active immunity occurs when an individual gets infected and their immune system responds by creating antibodies. Artificially acquired passive immunity refers to the injection of antibodies derived from another individual, rather than transferring them naturally.