Innate immunity (innate immune system)

Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defence against harmful foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. It is often called non-specific immunity, as it responds quickly and non-specifically to threats.

Innate immunity plays a significant role in triggering adaptive immunity, the body’s specialised immune system that recognises specific threats.

Tumour cells can manipulate our immune system to promote the growth and development of cancer.