Adaptive Immunity (also known as Acquired Immunity, Immunity, Acquired): Protection from an infectious disease agent that is mediated by B- and T- LYMPHOCYTES following exposure to specific antigen, and characterized by IMMUNOLOGIC MEMORY. It can result from either previous infection with that agent or vaccination (IMM

NIH MeSH · D056704Phenomena and Processes

Adaptive Immunity

Also known asAcquired Immunity · Immunity, Acquired · Adoptive Immunity · Immunity, Adoptive · Immunity, Adaptive · Adaptive Immune Response · Immune Response, Adaptive · Response, Adaptive Immune · Hybrid Immunity · Hybrid Immunities · Immunity, Hybrid

Definition

Protection from an infectious disease agent that is mediated by B- and T- LYMPHOCYTES following exposure to specific antigen, and characterized by IMMUNOLOGIC MEMORY. It can result from either previous infection with that agent or vaccination (IMMUNITY, ACTIVE), or transfer of antibody or lymphocytes from an immune donor (IMMUNIZATION, PASSIVE).

MeSH classification

  • G12.450.050

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Related concepts

Antibody Formation

The production of ANTIBODIES by proliferating and differentiated B-LYMPHOCYTES under stimulation by ANTIGENS.

Antigen Presentation

The process by which antigen is presented to lymphocytes in a form they can recognize. This is performed by antigen presenting cells (APCs).…

Autoimmunity

Process whereby the immune system reacts against the body's own tissues. Autoimmunity may produce or be caused by AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES.

Blood Bactericidal Activity

The natural bactericidal property of BLOOD due to normally occurring antibacterial substances such as beta lysin, leukin, etc. This activity…

Common questions about Adaptive Immunity

What does Adaptive Immunity mean in medicine?
Protection from an infectious disease agent that is mediated by B- and T- LYMPHOCYTES following exposure to specific antigen, and characterized by IMMUNOLOGIC MEMORY. It can result from either previous infection with that agent or vaccination (IMMUNITY, ACTIVE), or transfer of antibody or lymphocytes from an immune donor (IMMUNIZATION, PASSIVE). This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Adaptive Immunity known by any other names?
Yes. Adaptive Immunity is also referred to as Acquired Immunity, Immunity, Acquired, Adoptive Immunity, Immunity, Adoptive in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Adaptive Immunity sit in the medical classification?
Adaptive Immunity falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G12.450.050). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Adaptive Immunity?
For a plain-language explanation of Adaptive Immunity - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Adaptive Immunity" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D056704) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗