Mälulümfotsüüte

Mälulümfotsüüte are a type of white blood cell crucial for adaptive immunity. They are a subtype of lymphocytes, which are a major component of the immune system. Mälulümfotsüüte are generated after a primary immune response to a specific pathogen or antigen. Their primary function is to provide immunological memory, allowing the body to mount a faster and more robust response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

There are two main types of mälulümfotsüüte: B memory cells and T memory cells. B memory cells are derived from activated B cells and are responsible for producing antibodies. Upon re-encountering their specific antigen, they can quickly differentiate into plasma cells and secrete large amounts of antibodies. T memory cells are derived from activated T cells and can be further divided into helper T memory cells and cytotoxic T memory cells. Helper T memory cells assist other immune cells, while cytotoxic T memory cells directly kill infected cells.

These memory cells persist in the body for extended periods, sometimes for a lifetime. Their presence is the basis for vaccination, as vaccines introduce harmless antigens to stimulate the development of mälulümfotsüüte without causing disease. This pre-existing immunity ensures that future encounters with the actual pathogen are effectively neutralized. The generation and maintenance of mälulümfotsüüte are fundamental to long-term protection against infectious diseases.