The defense mechanisms of the adaptive immune system
The adaptive immune system reacts to pathogens (germs). It can “remember” those that attack, and fights specific antigens (the identifying feature of foreign substances). As a result, the immune system can react more quickly the next time it comes into contact with a particular antigen. Informed Health Online [Internet] - Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) Version: August 4, 2016 PMHID: PMH0072581 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072581/