immune response, a response of the body to protect itself against invading pathogens, foreign tissues, and malignancies. It consists of the innate (or nonspecific) immune response and the adaptive (or specific/acquired) immune response. Cells of the innate immune system recognize and respond to pathogens in a generic way, and the response is short-lasting. B and T cells of the adaptive immune system are highly specific for a specific antigen of a pathogen. They can provide long-lasting protection (memory). Also called immune reaction. See also humoral immunity, immune system.
