Adaptive Immunity

The adaptive immune or specific immune response consists of antibody responses and cell-mediated responses, which are carried out by different lymphocyte cells, B cells and T cells, respectively. B Cells are the major cells involved in the creation of antibodies that circulate in blood plasma and lymph, where they bind specifically to the foreign antigens. Cell-mediated immunity does not involve antibodies but rather involves the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells (NK), antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen. A key feature of the adaptive immune system is memory, the development of immunological memory, in which each pathogen is “remembered” by a signature antibody.

Adaptive Immunity Related Products Index

Quality proteins, antibodies, ELISA pair sets, cDNA clones for adaptive immunity research.

Adaptive Immunity Background

The immune system recognizes and kills pathogens and tumor cells to protect the host. The immune system is composed of two major subdivisions, the innate or non-specific immune system and the adaptive or specific immune system. The adaptive immune response consists of antibody responses and cell-mediated responses, which are carried out by different lymphocyte cells, B cells and T cells, respectively. B Cells are the major cells involved in the creation of antibodies that circulate in blood plasma and lymph, where they bind specifically to the foreign antigens. Binding of antibody inactivates viruses and microbial toxins by blocking their ability to bind to receptors on host cells. Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are large Y-shaped proteins, which are typically composed of two large heavy chains and two small light chains. In mammals there are five types of antibody: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, differing in biological properties, each has evolved to handle different kinds of antigens. The antibody responses are also called humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immunity does not involve antibodies but rather involves the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells (NK), antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen.

A key feature of the adaptive immune system is memory, the development of immunological memory, in which each pathogen is “remembered” by a signature antibody. Part of activated B cells and T cells can develop to memory cells. Memory cells remain ready to respond rapidly and efficiently to a subsequent encounter with a pathogen. This so-called secondary response is often stronger than the primary response to infection.

Adaptive Immunity Related Studies

1. Siffrin V, et al. (2007) New insights into adaptive immunity in chronic neuroinflammation. Adv Immunol. 96:1-40.
2. Yamamoto H, et al. (2008) Anti-HIV adaptive immunity: determinants for viral persistence. Rev Med Virol. 18(5):293-303.
3. Fatourou EM, et al. (2009) Adaptive immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostic and therapeutic implications. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 9(10):1499-510.
4. Andersson J, et al. (2010) Adaptive immunity and atherosclerosis. Clin Immunol. 134(1):33-46.