Specificity

Definition

Specificity in immunology refers to the ability of the adaptive immune system to target specific antigens. This ensures that immune responses are directed against particular pathogens, minimizing collateral damage to host tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Specificity is a key feature distinguishing adaptive immunity from innate immunity.
2. Antigen receptors on B and T cells confer specificity by recognizing unique antigenic determinants.
3. Monoclonal antibodies exhibit high specificity because they are derived from a single clone of B cells.
4. The specificity of an antibody is determined by the variable regions of its heavy and light chains.
5. Cross-reactivity can occur when an antibody reacts with similar but different antigens, potentially leading to autoimmune reactions.

Review Questions

• How does specificity differ between the innate and adaptive immune systems?
• What role do B and T cell receptors play in ensuring specificity in the immune response?
• Why might cross-reactivity pose a problem in terms of immune system specificity?

Related terms

Antigen:

A molecule or molecular structure recognized by the immune system as foreign.

Clonal Selection:

The process through which an antigen selectively binds to and activates specific lymphocytes, leading to clonal expansion.

Epitope:

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody or a receptor on a lymphocyte.