Mammals are born with virtually no self-generated immune protection. Immediately after birth they are more or less protected by antibodies that have crossed the placenta or are derived from the colostrum. This so called passive-immunization only holds for a limited period after birth. When the new-born is exposed to environmental antigens the immune-defense systems are gradually built up_ This natural form of active immunization can be mimicked by a deliberate introduction of antigens into the host in order to provoke protective immune responses prior to a natural encounter with those antigens [Clark, 1991]

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NWO, Pfizer BV
R. Benner (Robbert)
Erasmus University Rotterdam
hdl.handle.net/1765/23905
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

van Ommen, R. (1994, November 23). Cytokine dependence of B cell memory formation : a study in mice with emphasis on IgG1, and IgE. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/23905