Chapter 17 Adaptive Immunity

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on adaptive immunity and immunological responses.

Adaptive Immunity

Host defenses that develop later to handle a specific microbe, acquired through infection or vaccination.

Antigen (Ag)

A substance that stimulates an immune response, leading to antibody production.

Antibody (Ab)

Protective proteins made by the host in response to specific antigens.

Humoral Immunity

Type of adaptive immunity that fights invaders outside of the cell through B cells.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

Type of adaptive immunity that attacks antigens that have entered cells via T cells.

B Lymphocytes

White blood cells that differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

Clonal Selection

The process of B cell activation where specific antigens select B cells to proliferate.

Immunoglobulins (Ig)

Proteins that function as antibodies; five classes include IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.

IgG

The most abundant antibody in blood serum, providing long-term protection.

IgM

The largest antibody that causes clumping of pathogens; involved in the primary immune response.

IgA

An antibody found mostly in secretions that prevents pathogen attachment to mucous membranes.

IgE

An antibody that triggers histamine release and is involved in allergic reactions.

APC (Antigen-Presenting Cell)

Cells that present processed antigens to T cells and activate immune responses.

T Helper Cells (T-h)

Activate T-cells and B cells, playing a key role in cell-mediated immunity and antibody production.

Cytotoxic T Cells (T-c)

Killer T cells that destroy infected target cells by releasing perforins.

Memory T Cells

T cells that provide a faster and stronger immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

Immunological Memory

The ability of the immune system to remember past infections for quicker responses.

Primary Immune Response

The immune response during the first exposure to an antigen, marked by the production of IgM.

Secondary Immune Response

The immune response upon re-exposure to an antigen, resulting in a more rapid IgG production.

Naturally Acquired Active Immunity

Immunity that develops when a person is exposed to antigens and produces antibodies.

Artificially Acquired Passive Immunity

Immunity provided by the introduction of performed antibodies via injection.