What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?

Adaptive immunity is characterized by its specificity and memory, which are key features that distinguish it from innate immunity.

Specificity refers to the ability of the adaptive immune response to recognize and target specific pathogens. This occurs through the production of unique antibodies and activation of T cells that are tailored to particular antigens presented by pathogens. This targeted approach allows for a more effective response against specific threats, as opposed to the generalist approach of innate immunity, which responds to a broad range of pathogens without the ability to specifically recognize them.

Memory is another crucial aspect of adaptive immunity. After an initial exposure to a pathogen, the adaptive immune system creates memory cells that persist long-term. These cells enable a faster and more robust response if the body encounters the same pathogen again in the future. This ability to 'remember' previous infections is not present in innate immunity, which reacts similarly to repeated exposures without an improved response.

Together, specificity and memory mean that adaptive immunity can mount a stronger and more precise defense against pathogens that the body has encountered previously, significantly enhancing the overall immune response.