Definitions for "Memory cells"
After initial antigen stimulation, T cells and B cells proliferate and undergo morphological changes. Some become terminally differentiated effector cells (e.g. cytotoxic cells) while others revert to cells that are primed to respond to that particular antigen again. These memory cells are responsible for mounting a rapid secondary response to the antigen. B memory cells can live up to 10 years, while T cell memory is shorter.
Long-lived lymphocytes produced by exposure to antigen. They persist in the body and are able to mount a rapid response to subsequent exposures to the antigen.
Lymphocytes that have previously responded to a specific antigenic stimulus. They survive for exceedingly long periods and can respond rapidly to the same antigen.