Immune memory and recall are super important when it comes to getting rid of viruses. Here's a simple way to understand how it works when a virus gets into our bodies:
First Response: When the body first meets a virus, special cells called B cells make proteins called antibodies. At the same time, another group of cells called T cells find and recognize the cells that are infected.
Creating Memory Cells: Once the virus is gone, some of these B and T cells turn into memory cells. These memory cells stick around in our bodies for many years.
Second Response: If the same virus tries to invade again, these memory cells jump into action. For example, memory T cells can quickly spot and destroy the infected cells, while memory B cells quickly make more antibodies.
This is why vaccines are so helpful! They train our immune system to remember the virus without making us sick.
Immune memory and recall are super important when it comes to getting rid of viruses. Here's a simple way to understand how it works when a virus gets into our bodies:
First Response: When the body first meets a virus, special cells called B cells make proteins called antibodies. At the same time, another group of cells called T cells find and recognize the cells that are infected.
Creating Memory Cells: Once the virus is gone, some of these B and T cells turn into memory cells. These memory cells stick around in our bodies for many years.
Second Response: If the same virus tries to invade again, these memory cells jump into action. For example, memory T cells can quickly spot and destroy the infected cells, while memory B cells quickly make more antibodies.
This is why vaccines are so helpful! They train our immune system to remember the virus without making us sick.