Question

Explain the phenomenon of adaptive immunity with special reference to its properties.

Answer 1

(i) Pathogen specificity: It can recognise millions of different antigens. 

(ii) Discrimination between self and non-self: Enabled by self-marker glycoproteins (HLA) on the cell surface. 

(iii) Memory: It retains the memory of the first encounter in the form of memory cells and gives a rapid, heightened secondary response. 

(iv) It supplements innate immunity and is initiated only in response to a foreign antigen.