6 Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune response is a specific response that is
characterized by the following features:
• Specificity: a response that is directed toward a specific
pathogen
• Passive or active forms: immunity that can be passed from
another individual via antibodies (passive) or produced by
antibodies that develop in response to antigens (active)
• Systemic: a response that is not confined simply to the site of
inflammation; it is a slower response than the innate response
but lasts much longer
• Memory: once antibodies are developed in response to a
foreign antigen, the body “remembers” the response and can
mount an even stronger response upon second exposure to
the same antigen
The cells of the adaptive response are lymphocytes (B and
T cells), derived from the pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells of
the bone marrow. B cells are involved in the humoral (chemical
attack) response, which can be summarized as follows:
• B cell recognizes a pathogen by the binding of its surface
antibodies to a foreign antigen and becomes sensitized
• B cells then become activated when an inactive helper T cell
recognizes the same antigens, binds to the B cell, and
secretes lymphokines that cause activated B cells to divide
• B cell division yields millions of B cells, which then become
plasma cells that secrete antibodies (immunoglobulins) to the
antigen into the circulating blood and lymph
• These circulating antibodies bind to the specific antigens on
pathogens and label them for destruction by phagocytes;
the antibodies also may bind directly to bacterial toxins or
receptors used by bacterial and viruses such that they directly
neutralize the invader
• B cell division also yields memory B cells that remain in
reserve should the body be re-exposed to the same foreign
antigen
Plate 6-3
T cells are of several types and are involved in cell-mediated
responses:
• Helper T cells: although not directly involved in killing
pathogens or infected cells, these T cells control the im-
mune response by directing the activities of other cells of the
immune system; they recognize antigens presented by
B cells, become activated, and secrete cytokines that
promote humoral- and cell-mediated immunity
• Memory T cells: derived from helper and killer (cytotoxic)
T cells, they remain in reserve in case of re-infection
• Suppressor T cells: activated later than other B and T cells,
they suppress the immune response, thus limiting the overall
intensity of any single response
• Killer (cytotoxic) T cells: respond to antigen on cell surfaces
(other than B cells), become activated and divide, and produce
memory T cells and killer T cells, which then travel throughout
the body to find and destroy virus-infected cells, cancer cells,
bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and foreign cells (e.g., from tissue
transplants)
COLOR the following cells involved in the adaptive immune
response, using the colors recommended for each cell type:
■ 1. Antigen (yellow)
■ 2. Infected cell displaying antigen (brown)
■ 3. B cell (blue)
■ 4. Dying infected cell (gray/light black)
■ 5. Antibodies (red)
■ 6. Memory B cell (light blue)
■ 7. Memory T cell (light green)
■ 8. Killer T cell (orange)
■ 9. Activated T cell (green)
Lymphatic System
 Adaptive Immunity 6

Non-specific barriers
Skin and mucous membranes

Adaptive (acquired) immunity Innate immunity

Specific pathogen recognition — Present at birth, genetically determined —
immune memory hallmark is inflammation

Active immunity Passive immunity

Antibodies develop in response Transfer of antibodies
to foreign antigens from another person

Induced Natural Induced Natural

After birth — Antigen Antibodies Maternal antibodies
developed by administered via administered to transferred via
exposure to foreign vaccination fight infection placenta to fetus or
antigens to infant by nursing

A. Different types of immunity

2 1

4
9

5
8
Plasma cell
(secretes antibodies)

7
6

B. Adaptive immune system

Netter’s Anatomy Coloring Book Plate 6-3