What cells are involved in acquired immunity?

Two types of cells are involved in acquired immunity – B-cells and T-cells. 

B-cells

B-cells originate within the bone marrow and become active when they come into contact with foreign substances, which serve as distinctive foreign markers. On encountering a foreign substance, B-cells undergo rapid differentiation into plasma cells that produce antibodies tailored to that specific antigen or foreign particle. These tailored antibodies bind to the surface of the antigen. 

Antibodies produced by B-cells are capable of detecting and eliminating any antigen in the body. The immune response mediated by B-cells is also known as humoral immunity.

T-cells

T-cells originate in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus where they undergo specialization, differentiating into cytotoxic T-cells, helper T-cells, and regulatory T-cells before being released into the circulatory system.

Cytotoxic T-cells play a pivotal role in eliminating cancer cells.

On encountering an antigen, the helper T-cells get activated, releasing cytokines that act as signaling molecules. These cytokines activate B-cells, which differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies against the specific antigens.

Regulatory T-cells are involved in overseeing and moderating immune responses.