Immuniteten

Immuniteten refers to a state of protection from disease or from certain legal processes. In biology, it denotes the immune system’s ability to recognize and neutralize pathogens. The body’s defenses are divided into innate immunity, which provides general protection through barriers, phagocytes, and inflammation, and adaptive immunity, which uses B and T lymphocytes to target specific threats and develop memory.

Active immunity develops after infection or vaccination; passive immunity transfers antibodies from another person or animal. Vaccines trigger active immunity without causing disease. Herd immunity arises when a large portion of the population is immune, reducing transmission. Clinical considerations include immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immunosenescence in aging. Vaccination is a central public health tool, with safety monitoring and evidence-based guidance.

In law, immuniteten denotes protection from certain legal processes. Diplomatic immunity shields diplomats from arrest or prosecution under host-country law for official acts, though it is not absolute and can be waived. State or sovereign immunity limits legal action against states in foreign courts, often with exceptions. Functional or official immunity protects certain officials from liability for acts performed in office, subject to rules and oversight. The precise scope of legal immuniteten varies by jurisdiction and international treaties, balancing accountability with practical diplomacy and governance.