Introduction to the Adaptive Immune System

This set of flashcards provides key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the adaptive immune system, including types of T cells, antibody functions, and concepts of immunity.

Cytotoxic T cells

T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells.

Helper T cells

T cells that assist in activating B cells and other T cells by signaling.

Regulatory T cells

T cells that suppress the immune response to prevent overreaction.

Antigen Presentation

The process by which antigen presenting cells display antigens on their surface to activate T cells.

MHC class II molecules

Molecules found on antigen presenting cells that present antigens to CD4+ T cells.

Antigen presenting cells (APCs)

Cells that display antigen on their surface; includes dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells.

Clonal proliferation

The process by which activated T cells or B cells make clones of themselves to attack a specific antigen.

Plasma cells

Activated B cells that produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies.

Memory cells

B cells that provide long-term immunity by remaining in the body after infection.

Immunologic redundancy

The protective mechanism requiring multiple cell interactions before an immune response is triggered.

Opsonization

The process of coating pathogens with antibodies to enhance phagocytosis.

Neutralization

The process by which antibodies bind to pathogens and prevent them from infecting host cells.

Agglutination

The clumping of pathogens caused by antibodies binding to multiple antigens.

Complement activation

A process triggered by antibodies that leads to the lysis of pathogens via a complement system.

IgG

The most prevalent antibody in serum that provides the majority of antibody-based immunity.

IgA

An antibody found in secretions, such as saliva and breast milk, offering localized protection.

IgM

The largest antibody that is generally produced first during an immune response.

IgD

An antibody that acts primarily as a B cell receptor on the surface of B cells.

IgE

An antibody associated with allergic reactions and responses to parasitic infections.

Active immunity

Immunity that develops as a consequence of infection or vaccination.

Passive immunity

Immunity acquired through the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another.

Vaccination

The process of administering a vaccine to stimulate the immune response.

mRNA vaccines

A type of vaccine that uses synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to produce antigens.

Antitoxin

An antibody that neutralizes toxins.