memory cell

noun

, Immunology.

1. any small, long-lived lymphocyte that has previously encountered a given antigen and that on reexposure to the same antigen rapidly initiates the immune response memory T cell or proliferates and produces large amounts of specific antibody memory B cell: the agent of lasting immunity.

memory cell

1. A cell in the immune system that, when exposed to an invading pathogen , replicates itself and remains in the lymph nodes searching for the same antigen , resulting in a more efficient and rapid response to any subsequent attack.

Notes

The creation of memory cells is one of the main goals of vaccination .

Example Sentences

That’s because vaccines create immunity not only via antibodies but also through long-lived memory cells, including T cells.

From MIT Technology Review

The T-cell response, on the other hand, involves memory cells that can remember previous infections, then recognize the threat if it appears again, thus enabling the body to mount reactions more quickly in an ongoing fashion.

From Time

What’s important is that once a person’s immune system knows how to make antibodies for a specific protein, it’ll retain that knowledge in the form of memory cells.

From Popular-Science

After a second contact with the enemy, more memory cells are made, which means the next time the pathogen is seen, that swift response will be bigger.

From Popular-Science

For many standard vaccinations, people receive a couple of shots meant to prime the immune system, followed by a later shot aimed at boosting the immune system’s memory cells and providing long-term protection.

From Washington Post

"Well, that hour's memory-cell is filled all right," Lloyd thought.

From Project Gutenberg