The innate immune system has its limitations. First, its response is not as nimbly specific as that of the adaptive immune response. Although, as a group, pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize many pathogens, the innate immune system mounts a generalized defense effective for some invaders but less effective for others. Second, it retains no memory of the foe it vanquished. And memory, a key feature of the adaptive immune system, is important for fending off invaders the next time they make an appearance.
The innate immune system has its limitations. First, its response
is not as nimbly specific as that of the adaptive immune response.
Although, as a group, pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) can
recognize many pathogens, the innate immune...
More
Dr. Anthony Komaroff answered:The innate immune system has its limitations. First, its response is not as nimbly specific as that of the adaptive immune response. Although, as a group, pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize many pathogens, the innate immune system mounts a generalized defense effective for some invaders but less effective for others. Second, it retains no memory of the foe it vanquished. And memory, a key feature of the adaptive immune system, is important for fending off invaders the next time they make an appearance.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe innate immune system has its limitations. First, its response is not as nimbly specific as that of the adaptive immune response. Although, as a group, pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize many pathogens, the innate immune... More
