DefinitionThe immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful.Alternative NamesInnate immunity; Humoral immunity; Cellular immunity; Immunity; Inflammatory response; Acquired (adaptive) immunityInformationThe immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances by recognizing and responding to antigens. Antigens are molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Nonliving substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles (such as a splinter) can also be antigens. The immune system recognizes and destroys substances that contain these antigens.Even your own body's cells have proteins that are antigens. These include a group of antigens