1. Exposure to the pathogen: Hard immunity occurs when an individual is exposed to a specific pathogen, either through infection or vaccination. Without exposure, the immune system cannot develop a specific response to that particular pathogen.
2. Activation of the immune system: The immune system needs to be activated in response to the pathogen. This activation occurs when the immune cells recognize the pathogen as foreign and initiate an immune response.
3. Production of specific antibodies: The immune system produces specific antibodies that are capable of recognizing and neutralizing the pathogen. These antibodies are usually produced by B cells and are specific to the particular pathogen.
4. Memory cell formation: After the initial immune response, memory cells are formed. These memory cells "remember" the specific pathogen and can mount a rapid and effective immune response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. Memory cells are a crucial component of hard immunity as they provide long-term protection.
5. Long-lasting immune response: Hard immunity occurs when the immune response is long-lasting, providing protection against future infections. This long-lasting response is typically achieved through the production of memory cells and the persistence of specific antibodies in the body.