Adaptive immune system

How Our Bodies Remember Germs

Our bodies have a smart way to stay healthy. It is called the adaptive immune system. This system helps us fight off tiny things called germs that can make us sick. It is like a super memory that remembers germs it has fought before.

The adaptive immune system uses special white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are two main types: B cells and T cells. B cells make proteins called antibodies that can stop harmful germs. T cells help in other ways, like finding cells that are infected.

When the adaptive immune system fights a germ for the first time, it makes a memory. If the same germ tries to make us sick again, our body can fight it faster. This is why vaccines are important. Vaccines are like practice for our immune system. They show it what a germ looks like without making us sick, so our body can learn to fight it.

Babies are born with some protection from their mothers. While inside the mother, babies receive special proteins called antibodies that help fight germs. Breast milk also contains antibodies that protect babies until they can make their own. This helps keep babies safe and healthy.