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==Overview==
The role of the adaptive immune system in parasitic infections is mainly to orchestrate the innate immune reactions to the parasites by producing a specific immune response. This could be done either through the cell-mediated immune response or through the humoral antibody response. An important note is that the information given here is generalised as the response to each individual parasite is different as parasites themselves range from parasitc worms to malaria (for more information see the Parasitology section of WikiVet).
==Cell-Mediated==
==Cell-Mediated==
Although the innate immune system provides an effective first line of defence, '''[[T cells|T cells]]''' are fundamental in the development of immunity, demonstrated using T-cell deprived mice that fail to resolve otherwise non-lethal infections of, for example, ''T. cruzi''.
Although the innate immune system provides an effective first line of defence, '''[[T cells|T cells]]''' are fundamental in the development of immunity, demonstrated using T-cell deprived mice that fail to resolve otherwise non-lethal infections of, for example, ''T. cruzi''.
==Humoral==
==Humoral==
While cell-mediated immunity is important in tissue infections, such as Leishmania, specific antibodies are important in controlling parasites that live in the bloodstream, e.g. malaria. Mechanisms of antibody-mediated immunity include:
While cell-mediated immunity is important in tissue infections, such as Leishmania, specific antibodies are important in controlling parasites that live in the bloodstream, e.g. malaria. Mechanisms of antibody-mediated immunity include:
*Directly damaging protozoa
*Directly damaging protozoa