Question

Explain the importance of immunological memory cells. Describe in detail how and when memory cells arise and explain how they form the basis for effective immunizations.

Answer 1

Answer:- Immunological memory cells are extremely important for the maintenance of a strong immune system. Immune system is dependent on memory cells to quickly identify and treat pathogens it has already encountered before.

When infection occurs for the first time and the immune system realises that there is a foreign pathogen inside the body. Phagocytes, a type of white blood cells begin to “eat” as much as many infectious cells as they can in a process called Phagocytosis. In some cases, phagocytosis of some select cells is incomplete and the pathogen's structure, such as the antigen and surface protein is saved and is captured by the phagocytes. These phagocytes then interact with one of the two types of T-cells and start a process called antigen presenting. In this processthe T-cell “learns” of the shape of the antigen that the current pathogen is carrying. The T-cell then communicates with other T and B-cells about the antigen's shape and structure. Plasma B cells then start production of specific antibodies against this particular pathogen. Memory B cells now store the data on the antigen they have just been presented with. If, in future, the same pathogen attacks again, memory B cells can rapidly alert Plasma B-cells and allow antibody production to occur without the need for antigen presentation. This helps in very rapid response against the infection and is a very effective way to fight off various pathogens we encounter on a daily basis.

This Immunological memory has been utilized to form a basis for effective immunizations. Nost vaccines contain a weakened form of a pathogen tha doesn’t cause disease or reproduce very well. Immune system can’t tell that the vaccine viruses are weakened, so they engulf the viruses as if they were dangerous and subsequently present the antigen to T cells and B cells as described above. The weakened form of pathogen in the vaccine is cleared from the body very easily.This helps in formation of a memory against the antigen like it normally happens in case of an infection. When the pathogen attacks in reality then the immune system is ready for it. This helps in evading the pathogen effectively. This is how vaccines help in developing immunity by the means of creation of memory cells.