Which type of immunity relies on the action of lymphocytes and antibodies?

Adaptive immunity relies on the action of lymphocytes and antibodies to mount a specific response against pathogens. This system is characterized by its ability to remember previous infections, which allows for a more rapid and effective response upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen.

Lymphocytes, which include B cells and T cells, play a crucial role in this process. B cells are responsible for producing antibodies that specifically target antigens on pathogens. These antibodies can neutralize pathogens, mark them for destruction by other immune cells, or prevent them from entering cells. The T cells, on the other hand, assist in the immune response by directly killing infected cells or helping stimulate B cells to produce more antibodies.

This adaptive response improves with each exposure to pathogens, leading to immunological memory. Such specificity and memory are distinctive features of adaptive immunity, setting it apart from other types of immunity.