Memóriacélokat

Memóriacélokat, often translated as "memory cells," are a fundamental concept in immunology. They represent a specific type of lymphocyte that has been primed to recognize a particular antigen. These cells are generated during an initial encounter with an antigen, a process known as primary immune response. Following this initial exposure, a subset of activated B cells and T cells differentiate into memory cells, which are long-lived.

Memory B cells are crucial for humoral immunity. Upon re-exposure to the same antigen, they can rapidly proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells, which produce a higher affinity antibody than those generated during the primary response. This leads to a faster and more potent secondary immune response.

Memory T cells, encompassing both helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells, are vital for cell-mediated immunity. Memory helper T cells can quickly activate other immune cells, while memory cytotoxic T cells can efficiently eliminate infected or abnormal cells. The existence of memory cells is the basis for vaccination, as vaccines introduce antigens to induce the formation of these long-lasting immune reserves without causing significant illness. This allows the body to mount a swift and effective defense if it encounters the actual pathogen in the future. The precise mechanisms of memory cell formation, maintenance, and activation are areas of ongoing research in immunology.