What is a characteristic of memory cells in the immune response?

• A. Antibodies are not produced.
• B. Only T cells respond.
• C. Memory cells retaliate against pathogens.
• D. Memory cells respond quickly to produce antibodies.

Answer: (D)

Memory cells are long-lived survivors from the first exposure that prime the immune system for a quicker, stronger re-attack. When the same pathogen shows up again, these cells respond rapidly. In particular, memory B cells quickly become antibody-secreting plasma cells, producing antibodies faster and in larger amounts than during the initial encounter. This rapid antibody production is what makes the secondary immune response so effective. Remember, memory cells include both B and T cell lineages, and antibodies are produced by plasma cells derived from B cells, so statements implying that memory cells don’t produce antibodies or that only T cells are involved aren’t accurate.