Specific immune responses refers to the fact that immunoglobulins are produced which are specific to the antigens that stimulated their production, this response leads to the production of memory cells which remain circulating in the blood stream should re-infection occur the response would be faster. A non-specific immune response is where the immune response acts broadly against a range of pathogens to immobilize and destroy them without the production of antibodies. the first and second line defense systems form part of the non-specific immune response. An example of non-specific immune response is the action of phagocytes, compliment dendritic cells just to name a few.
The diagram above shows the different types of defense strategies that are utilised to protect the body against a large number of organisms which have the potential to cause disease. The first line of defense refers to barriers that prevent entry of a pathogen into the body, while the second line of defense refers to the 'demolition' of pathogens once they have entered the body and have been identified as non-self. The specific immune response although included in the diagram and is part of the third line of defense is explored in a latter point in this website.