Adaptive Immunity Overview

Study Notes

Adaptive immunity is one of the two primary components of the human immune system, along with innate immunity. It involves specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes which have the ability to recognize specific foreign molecules known as antigens. This process allows our bodies to build immunity against pathogens it has previously encountered. There are several aspects within adaptive immunity that contribute to its effectiveness in protecting us from infection and disease:

T Cells

T cells (also known as T lymphocytes) are another type of lymphocyte specifically involved in cellular immunity. They play multiple roles in adaptive immunity including:

Helper T Cells: These help activate other immune system cells such as B cells.
Cytotoxic T Cells: These kill infected host cells by binding themselves to them via their surface protein receptors, injecting toxic proteins into the cell, causing it to die.
Regulatory T Cells: These regulate responses from helper T cells during an immune response.

Antibodies

Antibodies are produced by plasma cells and are part of humoral immunity, meaning they circulate in body fluids like blood or lymph. Each antibody can bind to a particular antigen, allowing for recognition of specific invading organisms when the antibodies are present. For instance, if you've had chickenpox before, your body will produce antibodies to deal with any future encounters with the virus responsible for this illness.

Immunological Memory

The adaptive immune system remembers previous encounters with pathogenic agents through a process known as 'immunological memory'. When a new challenge occurs, the immune system quickly recognizes the threat because the old and new invaders share common parts. As a result, your immune system responds more rapidly and effectively upon subsequent exposure to these pathogens.

Antigen Presentation

This refers to how antigens are presented to lymphocytes so they can detect and respond appropriately to foreign materials. A key component of antigen presenting cells includes dendritic cells found throughout the tissues of the body. Lymphocytes can be activated only after encountering antigen-presenting cells. Once activated, the lymphocytes clone themselves to make many identical copies, ensuring a rapid response to eliminate the foreign material or pathogen.

In summary, the adaptive immune system relies on various types of specialized cells and processes to address threats to our health. Recognition of foreign particles through 'antigen presentation', followed by activation and cloning of lymphocytes, ensures we develop immunity and defend ourselves efficiently from invaders.

Description

Learn about the key components of the human adaptive immune system, such as T cells, antibodies, immunological memory, and antigen presentation. Understand how these components work together to provide immunity against pathogens and foreign invaders.