Innate and adaptive immunity

Noakes, PS; Michaelis, LJ

doi:10.1533/9780857095749.1.3

Innate and adaptive immunity

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Louise Michaelis ORCiD

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Abstract

The innate and adaptive immune systems are often described as contrasting separate arms of the host response; however, they usually act together, with the innate response representing the first line of host defense and the adaptive response becoming prominent after several days as antigen-specific T and B cells have undergone clonal expansion. Components of the innate system contribute to activation of the antigen-specific cells. Additionally, the antigen-specific cells amplify their responses by recruiting innate effector mechanisms to bring about the complete control of invading microbes. Thus, although the innate and adaptive immune responses are fundamentally different in their mechanisms of action, synergy between them is essential for an intact, fully effective immune response. © 2013 Woodhead Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.