Which immune cells are involved in adaptive immunity?

The adaptive immune system relies heavily on specific immune cells that are responsible for recognizing and responding to foreign antigens. T cells are a crucial component of adaptive immunity. They are typically involved in cell-mediated immunity, where they can directly kill infected host cells, activate other immune cells, and help regulate the immune response.

T cells have specific receptors that allow them to recognize specific antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells. This specificity is a hallmark of adaptive immunity, distinguishing it from the innate immune system, which acts more broadly and immediately upon infection. T cells also undergo a process called clonal expansion, where they proliferate in response to antigen activation, enabling the body to mount a targeted response against pathogens.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of the immune system. Complement proteins are part of the innate immune response and play a role in opsonization and lysis of pathogens. Mast cells and basophils are involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites but are not primarily responsible for adaptive immunity. Their functions are more associated with the innate immune response and the regulation of inflammation rather than the specific, long-term immunity that T cells provide.