Final answer:
The vertebrate immune system combats parasites with its two components: the innate and the adaptive immune systems. The adaptive system is particularly effective as it can specifically target and remember pathogens, while parasites have evolved various evasion tactics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The immune system of vertebrates, including humans, is adept at combating parasites through its two types of defense systems: innate and adaptive immune systems.
The innate system provides a generalized defense against pathogens, while the adaptive immune system targets specific pathogens, capable of remembering and responding more effectively upon reencounter.
Parasites such as helminths have developed mechanisms to evade the immune system, like degrading host antibodies and suppressing immune responses.
However, the vertebrate immune system can respond with various cells and molecules, such as eosinophils that specifically attack worms, and cytotoxic T cells and interferons that handle viral infections.
The ongoing evolutionary battle between pathogens and the immune system helps in the constant improvement of vertebrate defense mechanisms, supported by advances in modern medicine.