How does the adaptive immune system differ from the innate immune system?

The adaptive immune system is characterized by its ability to recognize and specifically target pathogens through mechanisms such as the formation of antibodies and the activation of T-cells. This specificity comes from the adaptive system's ability to learn from past infections and respond more effectively upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

In contrast, the innate immune system provides a non-specific response that acts as the first line of defense against a wide range of pathogens. It utilizes general mechanisms such as physical barriers (like skin), phagocytic cells, and inflammatory responses, which do not change or target specific pathogens based on previous encounters.

The adaptive immune system's ability to specifically target pathogens not only helps it to provide a robust and tailored defense but also contributes to immunological memory, allowing for quicker and more effective responses upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen. This specificity is essential for vaccination strategies, whereby exposure to a harmless form of a pathogen primes the adaptive immune system for future encounters with the actual pathogen.