Adaptive immunity

Definition

Adaptive immunity is a part of the immune system that learns to recognize and specifically target pathogens after initial exposure. It involves the activation of lymphocytes and the formation of immunological memory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adaptive immunity can be divided into humoral immunity (mediated by B cells) and cellular immunity (mediated by T cells).
2. It provides a more specific response to pathogens compared to innate immunity.
3. Memory cells enable faster and stronger responses upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen.
4. Vaccines work by stimulating adaptive immunity, creating memory cells without causing disease.
5. Key components include antibodies, antigen-presenting cells, and various types of lymphocytes like B cells and T cells.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of adaptive immunity?
• How does adaptive immunity differ from innate immunity?
• What role do memory cells play in adaptive immunity?

Related terms

Innate Immunity: The body's first line of defense against pathogens, providing a non-specific response.

Antibodies:

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens to neutralize or mark pathogens for destruction.

Lymphocytes: White blood cells that are central to adaptive immunity; includes B cells and T cells.