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Multiple Choice

Memory T cells are best described as?

Memory T cells are long-lived T lymphocytes that persist after an initial encounter and are primed to respond quickly if the same antigen is encountered again. They come from activated naive T cells and, upon re-exposure, require less stimulation to expand and to produce effector functions, leading to a faster, stronger response than during the first exposure. This is why they’re best described as responding to a previously encountered antigen. They don’t make antibodies (that’s the role of B cells/plasma cells), they don’t primarily present antigen to B cells (presentation is done by antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells, macrophages, and sometimes B cells), and they don’t secrete histamine (that’s released by mast cells and basophils in allergic responses).

Memory T cells are long-lived T lymphocytes that persist after an initial encounter and are primed to respond quickly if the same antigen is encountered again. They come from activated naive T cells and, upon re-exposure, require less stimulation to expand and to produce effector functions, leading to a faster, stronger response than during the first exposure. This is why they’re best described as responding to a previously encountered antigen. They don’t make antibodies (that’s the role of B cells/plasma cells), they don’t primarily present antigen to B cells (presentation is done by antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells, macrophages, and sometimes B cells), and they don’t secrete histamine (that’s released by mast cells and basophils in allergic responses).