The adaptive immune system distinguishes self from nonself primarily through the recognition of specific antigens. Immune cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes, possess receptors that bind to unique molecular structures on pathogens. During their development, these cells undergo a selection process to eliminate those that react strongly to the body's own proteins, thus preventing autoimmune responses. This process ensures that the immune system targets foreign invaders while sparing the body's own tissues.
An immune response is based on the ability to distinguish molecules that are part of the body ("self") from those that are not ("nonself," or foreign). Such molecules that can elicit an immune response are called antigens.
The four general properties of immunity are specificity, diversity, memory, and self/nonself recognition. Specificity refers to the immune system's ability to target specific pathogens. Diversity refers to the wide range of different antigens the immune system can recognize. Memory involves the immune system's ability to remember previous encounters with pathogens. Self/nonself recognition is the ability to distinguish between self and nonself to avoid attacking the body's own cells.
The adaptive immune system was developed in higher vertebrates to combat pathogens and antigens. These can include viruses, bacteria, and anything else that can cause the immune system to launch an immune response.
The body's most specific defense mechanism is the adaptive immune system, which includes T cells and B cells. These cells can recognize and target specific pathogens based on their unique antigens, providing a tailored response to each invader.
Lymphocytes(T and B cells)
An immune response is based on the ability to distinguish molecules that are part of the body ("self") from those that are not ("nonself," or foreign). Such molecules that can elicit an immune response are called antigens.
The four general properties of immunity are specificity, diversity, memory, and self/nonself recognition. Specificity refers to the immune system's ability to target specific pathogens. Diversity refers to the wide range of different antigens the immune system can recognize. Memory involves the immune system's ability to remember previous encounters with pathogens. Self/nonself recognition is the ability to distinguish between self and nonself to avoid attacking the body's own cells.
adaptive immune response
When we say the adaptive immune response has "memory," it means that the immune system can remember specific pathogens it has encountered before. This allows the immune system to respond more quickly and effectively if the same pathogen enters the body again in the future.
The adaptive immune system was developed in higher vertebrates to combat pathogens and antigens. These can include viruses, bacteria, and anything else that can cause the immune system to launch an immune response.
antibodies
An adaptive immune system is a series of specialized, systemic cells and processes which remove or counter pathogenic growth.
The adaptive immune response has memory, which means it can remember specific pathogens it has encountered before. This memory allows the immune system to recognize and respond more quickly and effectively to the same pathogen upon re-exposure. This helps the body to mount a faster and stronger immune response, leading to a quicker recovery from the infection.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that help identify and neutralize harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria. They play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response by recognizing specific antigens on these pathogens and marking them for destruction by other immune cells. This targeted response helps the body fight off infections more effectively.
The two types of immunity are innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense and includes physical barriers like skin, as well as immune cells that respond to general threats. Adaptive immunity is more specific and involves the production of antibodies and immune memory to target particular pathogens.
tissues
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is important in a T cell's ability to recognize antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells. This recognition is crucial for initiating an immune response and coordinating the functions of different immune cells. Deficiencies in MHC expression or function can impact the ability of T cells to mount an effective immune response.