What process describes the body's defense against pathogens through specific cellular responses?

The body's defense against pathogens through specific cellular responses is referred to as adaptive immunity. This type of immunity is characterized by its ability to recognize specific pathogens and mount a targeted response against them. Adaptive immunity involves the activation of lymphocytes, such as T cells and B cells, which can remember previous infections. This memory allows for a faster and more effective response if the same pathogen infects the body again in the future.

In contrast, innate immunity provides a non-specific defense mechanism against pathogens through physical barriers, phagocytic cells, and various immune responses that do not adapt or improve with repeated exposure to the same pathogen. Passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, offering short-term protection without stimulating the immune system to respond. Immunization refers to the process of introducing a vaccine to stimulate an adaptive immune response without causing disease, which is indirectly related to the process described but does not define the specific cellular response itself.