1. Specificity: The immune system can recognize and target specific pathogens or foreign substances. This means that the immune response is directed towards a particular antigen, like a virus or bacteria, rather than attacking everything indiscriminately.
2. Diversity: The immune system can recognize and respond to a vast number of different pathogens and foreign substances. This is due to the incredible diversity of lymphocytes (white blood cells) and the antibodies they produce.
3. Memory: After encountering a pathogen, the immune system can "remember" it and mount a faster and more effective response if it encounters it again. This is the basis for vaccination.
4. Self-tolerance: The immune system is able to distinguish between "self" (the body's own cells and tissues) and "non-self" (foreign invaders). This prevents the immune system from attacking its own body.
These four properties work together to ensure the immune system effectively protects the body from infection and disease.
