Adaptive immunity

Definition

Adaptive immunity is the body's ability to recognize and remember specific pathogens, leading to an enhanced response upon subsequent exposures. It involves the activation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adaptive immunity is divided into humoral immunity (mediated by B cells) and cellular immunity (mediated by T cells).
2. Memory cells are a crucial component of adaptive immunity, providing long-term protection against previously encountered pathogens.
3. Vaccines work by stimulating adaptive immunity to create memory cells without causing disease.
4. The adaptive immune response is slower than the innate immune response but provides more specific and long-lasting protection.
5. Antibodies produced by B cells can neutralize pathogens directly or mark them for destruction by other immune cells.

Review Questions

• What are the two main components of adaptive immunity?
• How do vaccines utilize adaptive immunity to provide protection?
• Why is adaptive immunity considered more specific than innate immunity?

Related terms

Innate Immunity: The body's initial, non-specific defense mechanism against pathogens.

Lymphocytes: White blood cells that play a significant role in the body's immune responses.

Antibodies: Proteins produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens to neutralize or destroy them.