Yes, memory cells, specifically memory B cells, are stimulated to multiply.
Memory cells are a crucial part of the adaptive immune system, providing long-lasting immunity against previously encountered pathogens. When a pathogen enters the body, B cells recognize it and some differentiate into plasma cells (which produce antibodies) and memory B cells.
Here's a breakdown:
- Initial Encounter: During the primary immune response, naive B cells are activated by the antigen.
- Differentiation: Some activated B cells differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells, while others become memory B cells.
- Memory B Cells: These cells are long-lived and remain in the body after the infection is cleared.
- Subsequent Encounter: If the same antigen is encountered again, the memory B cells are rapidly stimulated to proliferate (multiply) and differentiate into plasma cells, leading to a faster and more robust antibody response. This rapid multiplication is key to the effectiveness of immunological memory. They do not all differentiate into plasma cells immediately; this amplification step is crucial.
Therefore, memory B cells don't just wait passively; they actively proliferate upon re-exposure to the antigen, significantly boosting the immune response. This rapid multiplication allows the immune system to clear the infection more quickly and efficiently than during the primary response.
