Memory in adaptive immunity refers to the immune system's ability to recognize and respond more effectively to pathogens that it has encountered previously. This is a crucial aspect of the body's specific defense mechanisms.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Memory cells are a type of lymphocyte, including both B cells and T cells, that remain in the body after an initial infection has been eliminated.
Upon re-exposure to the same pathogen, memory cells rapidly proliferate and initiate a strong immune response.
Memory B cells can quickly produce large quantities of antibodies when they encounter their specific antigen again.
Memory T cells can rapidly differentiate into effector T cells upon re-infection, providing faster cellular immunity.
Vaccinations work by creating memory cells without causing disease, thus preparing the immune system for future encounters with the pathogen.