Unit 13: Adaptive Immune Response

These flashcards cover important vocabulary terms related to the adaptive immune response, providing definitions and context for each term.

Adaptive Immune Response

The second level of immunity, involving lymphocytes, responding to specific antigens with memory for potentially life-long immunity.

Humoral Response

Part of the adaptive immune response involving the production of antibodies.

Cellular Response

Part of the adaptive immune response that involves killing infected cells and regulating other immune cells.

Lymphatic System

Body system associated with the adaptive immune response, covering the entire body and involving lymphocytes and lymphoid structures.

MALT

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues that play a role in the immune defense.

GALT

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue, a lymphoid tissue associated with the digestive tract.

Dendritic Cells

Antigen-presenting cells that take up and present antigens to T cells.

Macrophages

Efficient phagocytes that present antigens to T cells, though less effective than dendritic cells.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that can act as antigen-presenting cells and differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

T Cells

Lymphocytes that play a critical role in the adaptive immune response, including killing infected cells and helping other immune cells.

Memory Cells

Long-lived lymphocytes responsible for immunological memory.

Clonal Selection

Process by which lymphocytes are selected for maturation and proliferation based on their specificity for antigens.

Costimulatory Signals

Secondary signals required for full activation of T cells.

Immunoglobulins (Ig)

Antibodies produced by plasma cells, involved in the immune response.

IgG

Most abundant immunoglobulin in serum, effective in opsonization and neutralization.

IgM

First antibody produced in response to an antigen, exists as a pentamer.

IgA

Principal antibody found in secretions, important for mucosal immunity.

IgE

Antibody involved in allergic reactions, found bound to mast cells.

Immunological Memory

Ability of the immune system to remember past infections, mediated by memory lymphocytes.

Natural Immunity

Immunity acquired through natural exposure to pathogens.

Artificial Immunity

Immunity acquired through medical interventions like vaccinations.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules produced by APCs to communicate and activate immune responses.