Nonspecific immunity present from birth (congenital). Responsible for the initial protection from infectious agents previously unseen by the host. Composed of soluble immune proteins (including complement) and phagocytes.
Inborn or hereditary immunity.
Those immune defenses against infection and cancer that are not determined by the specific responses of B or T lymphocytes. Innate immunity is not pathogen-specific and does not create immunological memory. It includes the actions of adhesion molecules; cellular chemo taxis; the secretion of cytokines; cytotoxicity; the activities of dendritic and natural killer cells; inflammation; and phagocytosis.