The Adaptive Immune Response: T lymphocytes and Their Functional Types

Definition

The adaptive immune response is a specific defense mechanism in the body involving T lymphocytes (T cells), which adapt to recognize and eliminate specific pathogens or infected cells. T cells come in various functional types, including helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells, each playing unique roles in immune defense.

Related terms

Antigen: A substance that when introduced into the body stimulates an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.

Antibody: A protein produced by B cells in the blood; works to impair pathogens.

Immune memory: The ability of the immune system to quickly and specifically recognize an antigen that the body has previously encountered and initiate a corresponding immune response