Adaptive Immune Response

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the adaptive immune response, including types of immunity, cell functions, and immune processes.

Adaptive immune response

The immune response that is specific to particular pathogens and involves memory cells.

Innate response

The initial, non-specific immune response to pathogens.

Humoral immunity

An immune response that involves antibodies and is effective against extracellular antigens.

Cellular immunity

An immune response that involves T cells and is effective against intracellular antigens.

Naive state

The state of lymphocytes that have not yet encountered their specific antigen.

Activated state

The condition of lymphocytes after they have been exposed to their specific antigen.

Clonal selection

The process by which specific B cells proliferate after being activated by an antigen.

Antigen presenting cell (APC)

Cells that display antigens on their surface to T cells, including B cells and macrophages.

T-dependent antigens

Antigens that require T cell assistance for B cell activation.

T-independent antigens

Antigens that can activate B cells without T cell help.

Memory B cells

Long-lived B cells that provide a rapid response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Plasma cells

Effector B cells that secrete large amounts of antibodies.

Cytokines

Molecules produced by T cells that regulate immune responses.

Treg cells

Regulatory T cells that help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmunity.

Epitopes

The specific regions on an antigen recognized by antibodies.

Antibody classes

Types of antibodies (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE) with different structures and functions.

Primary response

The immune response during the first exposure to an antigen, which takes about 14 days to develop.

Secondary response

The faster immune response upon re-exposure to the same antigen due to memory B cells.

Lymphatic system

The system that transports lymphocytes and helps in the immune response.

Bone marrow

The primary lymphoid organ where B cells mature.

Thymus

The primary lymphoid organ where T cells mature.