Adaptive Immunity

Adaptive Immunity is provided by lymphocytes capable of antigen-specific recognition and response, and in contrast to innate immunity, results in the generation of immunologic memory. The primary cell types associated with adaptive responses are T cells and B cells, which express variable immune receptors (TCR and BCR) and antigen-presenting cells including macrophages and dendritic cells. It is also recognized that overlap between innate and adaptive systems exists, as lymphocyte populations such as NK / iNKT cells possess functions attributable to both innate and adaptive immunity.