memory T cell

cytology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Memory T cells are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune system's ability to remember and fight off pathogens it has encountered before. These cells are generated during the primary immune response when the body is first exposed to an antigen. While effector cells actively combat the current infection, memory cells remain dormant but ready.123

Upon re-exposure to the same pathogen, these long-lasting memory T cells are activated, leading to a faster and more potent secondary immune response. This immunological memory is the basis for long-term immunity to diseases like measles. T cells originate in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus, where they differentiate into various types, including memory T cells.132

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

lymphocyte
Types and functions of lymphocytes
…cytotoxic T cells or become memory T cells. They are then seeded to peripheral tissues or circulate in the blood or lymphatic system. Once stimulated by the appropriate antigen, helper T cells secrete chemical messengers called cytokines, which stimulate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, thereby promoting antibody…
Read More
…cytotoxic T cells or become memory T cells. They are then seeded to peripheral tissues or circulate in the blood or lymphatic system. Once stimulated by the appropriate antigen, helper T cells secrete chemical messengers called cytokines, which stimulate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, thereby promoting antibody…
Read More

T cell
…cytotoxic T cells or become memory T cells. They are then sent to peripheral tissues or circulate in the blood or lymphatic system. Once stimulated by the appropriate antigen, helper T cells secrete chemical messengers called cytokines, which stimulate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells (antibody-producing cells).
Read More
…cytotoxic T cells or become memory T cells. They are then sent to peripheral tissues or circulate in the blood or lymphatic system. Once stimulated by the appropriate antigen, helper T cells secrete chemical messengers called cytokines, which stimulate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells (antibody-producing cells).
Read More