Adaptive Immunity

**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).

**Tree numbers:** - G12.450.050

**Synonyms:** - Acquired Immunity - Adoptive Immunity - Immunity, Adaptive