Memory cell

Definition

Memory cells are a type of white blood cell, specifically a component of the adaptive immune system, that remain in the body after an initial infection and provide immunity by quickly responding to subsequent infections by the same pathogen. They "remember" the pathogen, allowing for a faster and more effective immune response upon re-exposure.

Related terms

Leukocytes: These are white blood cells that act as the primary components of the immune system, protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Antibody: A protein produced by B-cells in response to an antigen; it can neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other elements of the immune system.

Adaptive Immune System: This is a subsystem of the overall immune system that is composed of highly specialized systemic cells and processes that eliminate pathogens or prevent their growth