Understanding the Immune System Response

Exploring the Adaptive Immune System

Introduction to the Immune System

  • Two branches: innate and adaptive
  • Innate response immediate but non-specific
  • Adaptive response specific and targeted
  • Adaptive response necessary to contain infections

Adaptive Immune Response

  • B cells and T cells are fundamental
  • Humor mediated immunity by B cells
  • Cell mediated immunity by T cells
  • B cells provide immunity in fluids
  • T cells protect from infections within cells

Containing Infections

  • B cells produce and release antibodies
  • Antibodies bind to bacteria and viruses
  • Phagocytes engulf and destroy pathogens
  • Innate immune response involved in destruction

Cell Mediated Immunity

  • T cells respond by killing infected cells
  • Cd eight cy T cells for virus-infected cells
  • Cd eight cy T cells can also kill cancer cells
  • Preserving overall health by stopping spread
  • Ph cells destroy cell particles and viral proteins

Specificity of Adaptive Immunity

  • Antibodies and T cells are specific to pathogens
  • Antibodies have specific binding sites
  • One B cell secretes one type of antibody
  • Multiple B cells needed for proper immunity
  • T cell receptors determine infected cell binding