Which term best describes the immune response that targets a specific pathogen?

• A. Generic immune response
• B. Specific immune response
• C. Nonspecific immune response
• D. Innate response

Answer: (B)

Focusing on specificity, the immune system uses an adaptive response that targets a particular pathogen. This specific immune response recognizes unique antigens on the invader and mounts a tailored attack, involving B cells that produce antibodies to neutralize or tag the pathogen and T cells that destroy infected cells or help other immune cells. It also forms memory, so re-exposure to the same pathogen triggers a faster, stronger response. In contrast, the nonspecific or innate immune response acts broadly against many pathogens and doesn’t adapt to a single invader. The term that best describes an immune response that targets a specific pathogen is the specific immune response.