Memory cell
Memory cell
Memory cell (pronounced: /ˈmem(ə)rē sel/) is a term used in immunology to refer to a type of immune cell that has previously encountered a specific antigen, and upon re-encountering the same antigen, can mount a rapid and robust immune response.
Etymology
The term "memory cell" is derived from the concept of "memory" in cognitive science, referring to the ability to remember past events or information, and "cell" from cell biology, referring to the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms.
Types of Memory Cells
There are two main types of memory cells: Memory B cells and Memory T cells.
- Memory B cells are a type of B cell that are formed following primary infection and are important for the secondary immune response. They can remember the specific antigen that the body has been exposed to, and can produce a faster and more effective immune response if the same antigen is encountered again.
- Memory T cells are a type of T cell that have been exposed to an antigen during a prior infection or vaccination. They can remember the specific antigen and can quickly respond to it if the body encounters it again.
Related Terms
- Immune response is the reaction of the cells and fluids of the body to the presence of a substance which is not recognized as a constituent of the body itself.
- Antigen is a substance that induces an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
- B cell is a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
- T cell is a type of white blood cell that is a key component of the immune system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Memory cell
- Wikipedia's article - Memory cell
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