Introduction to the adaptive immune response

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What is the adaptive immune response?

A specific immune response that targets particular antigens using B and T lymphocytes.

Compare the innate and adaptive immune responses

Innate: non-specific, immediate, no memory.
Adaptive: specific, slower, forms memory.

What are the main cells in the adaptive immune system?

B lymphocytes, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells.

What is the role of B lymphocytes?

Produce specific antibodies to neutralise extracellular pathogens.

What are antibodies?

Y-shaped proteins made by B cells that bind to specific antigens to neutralise them.

What is the role of helper T cells (Th)?

Activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells by releasing cytokines.

What is the role of cytotoxic T cells (Tc)?

Destroy infected or abnormal cells by releasing toxic substances.

How does the adaptive immune system recognise specific antigens?

Each B or T cell has unique receptors that bind only to a matching antigen.

What is humoral immunity?

An adaptive response involving B cells and antibodies targeting extracellular pathogens.

What is cell-mediated immunity?

An adaptive response involving cytotoxic T cells targeting infected or abnormal cells.

What gives the adaptive immune system its specificity?

Unique receptors on B and T cells that match specific antigens.

What is immunological memory?

The ability of the adaptive immune system to respond faster to previously encountered pathogens.

Draw and describe the general structure of an antibody

Y-shaped with two identical antigen-binding sites; binds to and neutralises antigens.

How do antibodies help fight pathogens?

They neutralise toxins, agglutinate pathogens, and mark them for destruction by phagocytes.