Chapter 16, Problem 1TMW

Why are the activities of B and T cells called adaptive?

Summary Introduction

To tell:

Why are the activities of B and T cells called adaptive?

Introduction:

Lymphocytes are the class of white blood cells act against foreign particles or pathogens and mainly involved in the body’s immune system. Lymphocytes such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells are produced in the red bone marrow. B cells or B lymphocytes are produced and matured in red bone marrow and secrete antibodies. T cells or T lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and matured in the thymus. T cells are classified into three classes (cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, and regulatory T cells) according to surface molecules and functions.

Explanation of Solution

The adaptive immune system consists of two major categories such as cell-mediated immune response and antibody-mediated immune response. B cells regulate antibody immune responses and they act against extracellular pathogens or toxins and involved in the humoral immune response. B cells have receptors for recognition of antigens and activate antibody immune response. T cells regulate cell-mediated immune response. Cell-mediated immunity act against endogenous antigens, intracellular microorganism (for example, viruses), or abnormal cells in the body. Since B and T cells are involved in the adaptive immune response, their activities are called adaptive.

Conclusion

T and B lymphocytes are acting against particular pathogens and regulate adaptive response.