Which statement about exposure and memory is accurate?

Which statement about exposure and memory is accurate?

• A. Exposure in the innate system leads to memory
• B. Exposure in the adaptive system leads to no memory
• C. Exposure in the adaptive system leads to immunological memory
• D. Exposure in both systems leads to memory

Answer: (C)

Immunological memory comes from the adaptive immune response. When a new antigen is encountered, specific B and T cells are activated and expand. B cells can become antibody-producing plasma cells and, importantly, memory B cells that persist long-term. T cells can also form memory T cells. These memory cells respond rapidly and more robustly if the same antigen is encountered again, providing lasting immunological memory. The innate system, by contrast, delivers immediate, nonspecific defenses and does not generate the kind of lasting, antigen-specific memory seen with the adaptive system. So the statement that exposure in the adaptive system leads to immunological memory is the best description.

Immunological memory comes from the adaptive immune response. When a new antigen is encountered, specific B and T cells are activated and expand. B cells can become antibody-producing plasma cells and, importantly, memory B cells that persist long-term. T cells can also form memory T cells. These memory cells respond rapidly and more robustly if the same antigen is encountered again, providing lasting immunological memory. The innate system, by contrast, delivers immediate, nonspecific defenses and does not generate the kind of lasting, antigen-specific memory seen with the adaptive system. So the statement that exposure in the adaptive system leads to immunological memory is the best description.