Adaptive immune response
Short description
The adaptive immune response is mediated by lymphocytes. Its hallmarks are a high specificity for distinct antigens and an immunological memory.
Synonyms
Specific immune response
Adaptive immune reaction
Detailed description
An adaptive immune response is stimulated by exposure to infectious agents or their products. It is mediated by T and B lymphocytes. Through their differentiation, an immunological memory is established. Repeated exposure to the same antigen will then lead to a faster and more vigorous immune response. This is also the principle behind vaccinations.
