Final answer:
The adaptive defense is initially primed upon exposure to a foreign antigen. It involves the recognition of the antigen by antibody presenting cells, followed by the activation of helper T cells and the production of specific antibodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adaptive defense is initially primed upon exposure to a foreign antigen. When an antigen enters the body, it is recognized by antibody presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages. The antigen is then processed and presented on the cell surface with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins. This presentation activates helper T cells, leading to the clonal selection of effector cells that produce specific antibodies against the antigen.