The body's ability to react to antigens and remain free of disease is referred to as?

The ability of the body to react to antigens—substances that can provoke an immune response and potentially lead to disease—and remain disease-free is defined as immunity. This term encompasses the complex network of cells and proteins that work together to recognize and eliminate pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and other foreign entities. Immunity can be categorized as either innate or adaptive. Innate immunity provides immediate defense through physical barriers and immune cells, while adaptive immunity develops over time and involves the creation of specific antibodies and memory cells.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately capture the concept of the body’s defense against disease-causing agents. Allergy refers to an exaggerated immune response to a typically harmless substance (allergen), resistance generally describes the ability to withstand infections but does not encompass the broader scope of immune responses, and vulnerability signifies a lack of protection or increased susceptibility to disease. Therefore, the correct term for the body’s ability to respond effectively to antigens and prevent disease is immunity.