Explain why the response of third line of defence, both cellularand

antibody immunity, is specific in nature.

Presence of specific antigen receptors on the surface of Immunocompetent B and T cells make them to generate immune response against specific antigens only.

Explanation:

The cellular and antibody-mediated immune responses are specific in nature. This means these immune responses are generated for particular foreign molecules or antigens only. These immune responses include B and T lymphocytes. Before T cells leave the thymus or B cells leave the red bone marrow, they develop immunocompetence. Immunocompetence is the ability to carry out adaptive immune responses. During this process. B cells and T cells make distinctive proteins and insert them into their plasma membranes. Some of these proteins function as antigen receptors capable of recognizing specific antigens. This is why the B and T cell-mediated third line of defense are specific in nature.

For example, antibody-mediated immune responses generate the memory cells for most previously encountered antigens to ensure the generation of more rapid and vigorous response during any further encounter with the same antigen.