Immunity thanks to memory T cells
Memory T cells belong to the group of T lymphocytes. They trigger the body’s immune response and protect it in the event of a second infection.
Memory cells induce a rapid immune response
The human body activates its own immune system when there is an infection. In addition, there is an increase in memory T cells. These store the body’s own immune response.
In the event of renewed infection with the pathogen, the body’s reaction is faster than before. The reason for this are the T memory cells, which quickly transmit the information to the immune system.
After the initial infection, the body has suitable antibodies. If another infection occurs with the same pathogen, the immune system reacts immediately. Due to the quick reaction of the body, the disease does not break out again. The function of the memory cells enables the human body to be immune to the pathogen after an initial infection.
Doctors use the function of memory T cells in the course of an active vaccination. They administer certain antigens to the patient, whereupon the body produces suitable antibodies. Depending on the type of vaccination, this is done with live or dead vaccines. The latter contain bacteria that no longer multiply. In contrast, a live vaccine consists of weakened pathogens.
These are able to multiply within humans. In this case, the patient responds to the vaccine with a weakened disease. The aim of active vaccination is for the body’s own T memory cells to store the information about the pathogen. When actually infected with this, the body is immune to the disease. In this case, his immune system reacts quickly with suitable antibodies, which prevent the outbreak of a disease.
Properties and functioning of memory cells
Memory T cells are long-lived, so the human body typically has lifelong immunity to various diseases. If the pathogen invades again, the memory cells multiply quickly and fight it. Due to the quick reaction of the body, the person does not notice any symptoms of the disease.
Memory T cells have the ability to store the surface structure of various viruses. This makes it easier to identify new or known pathogens. In the event of a second infection, the body is able to produce antibodies within a short period of time thanks to its memory cells. These have a Y-shape and clump the harmful viruses together.
Memory cells – a subset of T lymphocytes
Memory T cells are part of the T lymphocytes. These divide into various components during the defense reaction. In addition to the memory cells, the following cells are formed :
- cytotoxic T cells,
- T suppressor cells and
- T helper cells .
The latter have the ability to recognize different antigens. In contrast, the T-suppressor cells control the immune response. You are able to inhibit them or push them further. Cytotoxic T cells destroy the viruses. Because of this ability, they are called “killer cells”.
If a body cell has a pathogen, it transports it to the surface of its shell. This is where the work of the T cells begins. They perceive the pathogen and identify it. The T killer cells then destroy the infected cell and the antigen. The T helper cells activate other cells in the body by releasing certain substances. This drives the necessary immune response. Last but not least, the memory T cells ensure immunity against the disease.
T cells are part of the white blood cells . They are produced in the bone marrow and then migrate to the thymus. This is behind the breastbone. After their formation, the T cells are found in the human blood and lymphatic system. They then monitor all body cells and their composition. If there is a pathological or atypical change, the body activates the immune system. Memory T cells remain in the blood of the human body after their deployment. When reinfected, the T cells multiply ten to one hundred times. This ensures a fast and effective immune response.
Natural and acquired defense system
The human body has a natural defense system from birth. In contrast, the specific or acquired immune response develops throughout life and with the help of memory T cells.
The development of this immune system requires the body to actively deal with a pathogen. Memory T cells are usually used when there is an infection with a foreign body. In addition, they are able to recognize and fight damaged endogenous cells. These include, for example, cancer or tumor cells.
Memory T cells are part of the T lymphocytes. They store the surface structure of various pathogens. This means that the immune reaction is faster in the event of a second infection, which means that there is no disease.
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