Adaptive of specific immunity refers to the specific immune repsone of the body to invading organisms. One of the features of specific immunity is that repeated exposure results in an accelarated response. This is due to immune memory.
With respect to barier functions the main adaptive response is the prodution of specific IgA molecules that are secreted onto the skin, into the gut and in breast milk.
The main humoral responses of adaptive immunity are secretion of antibodies that bind with particular antigens, and the release of cytokines. IgG and IgM are the main antibodies produced.
The cellular response of adaptive immunity involves dendritic cells, T-cells (helper 1, helper 2, cytotoxic and memory) and B-cells.