Adaptive immunity is the body’s response to infectious agents previously encountered, resulting in a faster and more effective response. It depends on recognizing antigens and can wear off over time. Autoimmune diseases can cause inadequate adaptive immune responses and require treatment with drugs.
Adaptive immunity is an important part of the immune system that governs how the body responds to infectious agents or antigens it has previously been exposed to. Past exposure to an antigen in its natural or created forms can create a memory of the antigen’s presence. Future exposure, once adaptive immunity or specific immunity is acquired, results in a rapid and effective response. The body mobilizes B and T cells to fight off subsequent exposures before they create disease and the person is well. This brief description assumes that specific, adaptive, or acquired immunity is functioning normally, which is not always the case.
There are two main elements of the immune system, which are divided into innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the body’s natural response to any exposure to an antigen. The healthy person’s innate immune system works in a variety of ways to fight off any disease exposure and put an end to the disease, although it is not always successful. Conversely, adaptive immunity develops through exposure to antigen or interventions such as vaccination. It is usually faster and more effective, but it is also antigen specific. It only works when the body has a memory of fighting a specific germ before.
Adaptive immunity depends on the body recognizing an antigen to which it has previously been exposed. When such recognition occurs, the body mounts a high-speed response that can defeat the ability of the antigen to take hold and cause disease. This response isn’t always perfect, and some people develop partial immunity to diseases and are unable to fight them off completely. Also, adaptive immunity to some things can wear off over time, or some types of viruses and bacteria don’t cause adaptation through exposure.
People with autoimmune diseases may have inadequate adaptive immune responses. The body may regard any substance, even part of itself, as foreign and mobilize B and T cells to attach themselves. Over time, serious damage can occur, and these diseases must be treated with drugs that blunt both types of immune responses.
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