innate immune system

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Related to inherent immunity: native immunity

innate immune system

The component of the immune system that is relatively nonspecific and immediate and includes mucous secretions, complement proteins, and certain white blood cells, especially neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It is one of two main components of the vertebrate immune system, along with the adaptive immune system.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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"no inherent immunity of [its] own," and it enjoys immunity

Tribal self-determination in the age of scarcity

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