In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Adaptive Immunity 2. Attributes of Adaptive Immunity 3. Components. Meaning of Adaptive Immunity: In contrast to innate immunity, vertebrate has a specific or adaptive immunity which is capable of recognising and selectively eliminating specific foreign microorganisms and molecules. This form of immunity develops as a response to infection and adapts [...]
Protective immunity against a microbe may be induced by the host's response to the microbe or by the transfer of antibodies or lymphocytes specific for the microbe. Such form of adaptive immunity that is induced, by exposure to a foreign antigen is called active immunity (Fig. 6.44), because the immunized individual plays an active role in responding to the antigen. [...]
Innate and adaptive immunity do not operate independent of each other. They act in cooperative and interdependent ways that make both of them more effective. The activation of innate immune responses provides signals that function in concert with antigen to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of antigen-specific T and B lymphocytes (Fig. 6.38). In addition, the adaptive immune system generates [...]