Immune System: Adaptive Immunity

Flashcards covering key concepts of adaptive immunity from the immune system lecture notes.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific form of immunity that is learned and provides resistance to specific non-self microorganisms.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are essential for adaptive immunity, including T cells and B cells.

B Lymphocytes (B cells)

Cells that mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies, contributing to antibody-mediated immunity.

T Lymphocytes (T cells)

Cells that mature in the thymus and destroy infected or tumor cells, classified under cellular-mediated immunity.

Antibody-Mediated Immunity

Type of immunity that uses B cells to produce antibodies that target specific antigens.

Cellular-Mediated Immunity

Type of immunity that uses T cells to address antigens that have already entered host cells.

Plasma Cells

B cells that produce large quantities of antibodies and are released into the blood.

Memory Cells

Long-lived B and T cells that remember past infections and can react quickly upon re-exposure to the antigen.

Immunoglobulins (Ig)

Antibodies produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens.

Natural Immunity

Immunity acquired naturally through exposure to antigens, can be active or passive.

Artificial Immunity

Immunity gained through medical intervention such as vaccinations or serum transfusions.

IgG

The largest and most common antibody type, capable of crossing the placenta.

Immunoglobulin A - IgA

An antibody found in breast milk and saliva, playing a critical role in mucosal immunity.

IgM

An antibody produced in response to an initial infection; potent activator of the complement system.

IgE

An antibody associated with allergic reactions, found on basophils and mast cells.

Effector T Cells

T cells that actively respond to antigens, including cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells.

Regulatory T Cells

T cells that help maintain immune tolerance and prevent overactive immune responses.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response, recognized by lymphocytes.

Active immunity

body produces antibodies/antibody enters the body, long-term protection via vaccine or exposure

Passive immunity

antibodies transferred from another human/animal, short-lived