In the context of adaptive immunity, what is the significance of memory cells?

In the context of adaptive immunity, what is the significance of memory cells?

• A. They cause immediate allergic reactions
• B. They are responsible for long-term immunity
• C. They initiate inflammation
• D. They destroy healthy cells

Answer: (B)

Memory cells play a crucial role in adaptive immunity by providing long-term immunity against specific pathogens. When the body is exposed to a pathogen, B cells and T cells are activated to fight the infection. Some of these activated cells differentiate into memory cells, which persist in the body long after the initial infection has been cleared. The significance of these memory cells lies in their ability to quickly respond to future infections by the same pathogen. If the body encounters the same pathogen again, memory cells are able to recognize it and trigger a faster and more efficient immune response compared to the primary response. This can lead to quicker antibody production and stronger cell-mediated responses, effectively preventing reinfection or reducing the severity of the disease. This long-term immunity is a fundamental principle behind vaccination. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless component of a virus or bacteria, prompting the immune system to create memory cells without causing the disease itself. Consequently, if an individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen, their immune system can mount a rapid and robust defense, significantly reducing the risk of illness. The other answer choices do not accurately describe the role of memory cells in the context of adaptive immunity. Memory cells do not cause allergic reactions, initiate inflammation, or destroy healthy cells; instead, their

Memory cells play a crucial role in adaptive immunity by providing long-term immunity against specific pathogens. When the body is exposed to a pathogen, B cells and T cells are activated to fight the infection. Some of these activated cells differentiate into memory cells, which persist in the body long after the initial infection has been cleared.

The significance of these memory cells lies in their ability to quickly respond to future infections by the same pathogen. If the body encounters the same pathogen again, memory cells are able to recognize it and trigger a faster and more efficient immune response compared to the primary response. This can lead to quicker antibody production and stronger cell-mediated responses, effectively preventing reinfection or reducing the severity of the disease.

This long-term immunity is a fundamental principle behind vaccination. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless component of a virus or bacteria, prompting the immune system to create memory cells without causing the disease itself. Consequently, if an individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen, their immune system can mount a rapid and robust defense, significantly reducing the risk of illness.

The other answer choices do not accurately describe the role of memory cells in the context of adaptive immunity. Memory cells do not cause allergic reactions, initiate inflammation, or destroy healthy cells; instead, their