What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity refers to the cells and the proteins that are present in the body and are ready to fight diseases at all times. On the other hand, the cells of adaptive immunity are only called to action if certain pathogens overcome the power of innate immunity.

Elements of the adaptive immune system are usually more dormant and silent than those of innate immunity. They are inactive but are not absent. They are activated by the presence of infectious agents in the body. They then generate systems of deactivating the danger. While innate immunity is present from birth and remains in the body throughout, adaptive or acquired immunity develops during a person’s lifetime and can be short-lived.