Mälurakkude

Mälurakkude, also known as memory cells, are a type of lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system. They are generated after an initial encounter with an antigen and are responsible for providing immunological memory. This means that upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen, the body can mount a faster and more robust immune response.

There are two main types of mälurakkude: B memory cells and T memory cells. B memory cells are derived from B lymphocytes and are involved in the production of antibodies. Upon re-exposure to an antigen, they can differentiate into plasma cells and rapidly secrete large amounts of specific antibodies. T memory cells, on the other hand, are derived from T lymphocytes and can be further divided into helper T memory cells and cytotoxic T memory cells. Helper T memory cells assist in activating other immune cells, while cytotoxic T memory cells directly kill infected cells.

Mälurakkude are long-lived and can persist in the body for years, even decades, after the initial infection or vaccination has cleared. They are found in various lymphoid tissues, including lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, as well as circulating in the blood. The development and maintenance of mälurakkude are essential for long-term immunity and are the basis for successful vaccination strategies. Understanding the characteristics and functions of mälurakkude has significantly advanced our knowledge of immunology and infectious disease control.