What are the features of the adaptive immune system and how does it perform its function?

T_he roles of the adaptive immune system are suggested by the different names by which it is known. In addition to adaptive immunity it is also known as specific immunity or acquired immunity. Describing this part of the immune system as adaptive indicates that it can change the way in which it responds to foreign antigens. Each individual cell that is part of the adaptive immune system will only respond 21 antigen-hence the immune system is specific. The adaptive immune response is much stronger when the adaptive immune system encounters an antigen it has met previously-hence it is the acquired immune system._

The cells of the adaptive immune system are the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes have very specific receptors on their surface that enables them to recognise different molecules and microbes. The lymphocytes perform a variety of functions-they can destroy foreign cells or infected or abnormal cells in the body. They can produce antibodies which play an important role in immune protection and they can link different components of the adaptive and innate immune systems. When exposed to a foreign antigen some lymphocytes become memory cells which remain in the body and enable a rapid and powerful in response to be launched against a previously identified foreign antigen.

The adaptive immune system: the second, specific response

Adaptive immune cells are the second and specific line of defense, and they are called to action by the innate immune system. After recognizing the invader, the cells can multiply and combat it, leading to recovery from disease and protection against its return.