Question

List two disadvantages of passive immunotherapy over active immunotherapy?

Short answer

Answer: The two disadvantages of passive immunotherapy compared to active immunotherapy are short-term protection and potential adverse reactions. Passive immunotherapy provides only temporary protection as externally administered antibodies are eventually eliminated by the recipient's body, whereas active immunotherapy induces a long-lasting immune response. Additionally, passive immunotherapy may cause adverse reactions such as allergic reactions or serum sickness, especially when using antibodies from animal sources, while active immunotherapy reduces the risk of such complications by stimulating the patient's own immune system.

Step-by-step solution

Disadvantage 1: Short-term protection

One of the main disadvantages of passive immunotherapy is that it provides only short-term protection against infection or disease. This is because externally administered antibodies are eventually broken down and eliminated by the recipient's body, and the patient does not develop long-lasting immunological memory as there is no stimulation of their immune cells to produce memory cells. In contrast, active immunotherapy induces a long-lasting immune response, as it helps the patient's immune system to recognize and effectively target the pathogen in the future.

Disadvantage 2: Potential adverse reactions

Another disadvantage of passive immunotherapy is the possible risk of adverse reactions, especially when using antibodies derived from animal sources. Patients receiving passive immunotherapy may develop immune responses against the administered antibodies, leading to allergic reactions or serum sickness. Additionally, there is a risk of transmission of infectious agents from the donor to the recipient. In the case of active immunotherapy, the patient's own immune system is stimulated, reducing the risk of such adverse reactions and complications.

Key concepts

Short-Term Immunity

When addressing the concept of short-term immunity, particularly in the context of passive immunotherapy, it's important to grasp the temporal nature of the protection it offers. Passive immunotherapy involves the direct transfer of active antibodies into an individual's system. These antibodies are ready to combat pathogens immediately upon administration, a key advantage in urgent scenarios where immediate immunity is necessary. However, since the recipient's body has not 'learned' to produce these antibodies independently, the protection is not durable.

The externally administered antibodies are not permanent fixtures in the recipient's immune landscape. Over time, they are broken down and removed from circulation by bodily processes. Without the engagement of the recipient's immune cell in the synthesis of these antibodies, no memory B cells are generated. These memory B cells are crucial for long-term immunity as they remain in the body, ready to produce specific antibodies swiftly upon re-exposure to the pathogen. Active immunotherapy, on the other hand, includes vaccines that 'teach' the immune system to recognize and mount a defense against the disease-causing agents, leading to the development of immune system memory, and thereby, long-lasting immunity.

Adverse Reactions in Immunotherapy

While immunotherapy has revolutionized the way we treat diseases, it's not devoid of potential complications, particularly the risk of adverse reactions. These reactions can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic reactions and are a significant point of concern in passive immunotherapy. The introduction of foreign antibodies, especially those derived from animal sources, can be perceived by the recipient's immune system as a threat, eliciting an immunological response.

This reaction can manifest as an allergy or as serum sickness, where the immune system attacks the infused antibodies, causing symptoms like fever, rashes, and joint pain. Additionally, the risk of transfer of infectious agents from the donor material can not be overlooked. In comparison, active immunotherapy typically induces a more controlled immune response. By exposing the patient to a safe form or component of the pathogen, such as in vaccines, the immune system is trained in a manner that is less likely to trigger such adverse effects. This precise targeting makes active immunotherapy not only effective but also results in fewer unintended consequences.

Immune System Memory

Immune system memory is akin to the body’s long-term defense strategy. This immunological memory is established when the immune system encounters a pathogen and responds by creating memory cells after the initial infection or vaccination. These cells, which include memory B cells and T cells, can persist in the circulation for years, or even a lifetime in some instances.

Different from passive immunity, where the immune system is supplied with antibodies made outside the body, active immunization allows the body to build its own defensive mechanism. Vaccines, a form of active immunotherapy, simulate an infection, so the immune system can be trained in recognizing and combating the pathogens without actually causing the disease. This learning process is the cornerstone of active immunotherapy. It empowers the immune system to not only defeat the present pathogen but also to quickly and effectively recognize and neutralize future encounters with the same or similar pathogens. The enduring nature of immune system memory means that active immunotherapy provides sustained protection, significantly reducing the susceptibility to reinfection, a stark contrast to the temporary shield offered by passive immunotherapy.