The adaptive immune system, also known as the acquired immune system, is a subsystem of the immune system that is composed of specialized, systemic cells and processes that eliminate pathogens or prevent their growth.
Although the function innate immune response is vital as a first line of defense against any infection, the adaptive response is equally important in limiting the spread of the infection. In case of chlamydiae infection, the adaptive immunity helps in providing protection against recurrent infections.
The adaptive, or acquired, immune response involves creating immunological memory that is created after the initial response to the pathogen. This is accomplished by T cells and B cells of various types.
Both cell types rely on their ability to differentiate between self and non-self antigens presented on the cell surface, a process that is regulated by the MHC.
The B-lymphocytes, or B cells, regulate the humoral immune response, producing antibodies against foreign antigens whereas the T cells, regulate the cell-mediated immune response.
These cells predominately recognize foreign antigens presented on the cell surface by class I MHC. Th1 cells induce the production of cytokines such as IFNγ that activates macrophages and induces B cells to make opsonizing and complement fixing antibodies. Th2 cell release Interleukin 4 (IL-4), which in turn activate B cells to make non-cytolytic antibodies leading to humoral immunity.
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