Journal of Vaccine Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 32-39 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/jvr 35 more effective response is primarily attributed to the presence of memory cells in the immune system, including memory B cells and memory T cells. Secondary immune responses are faster compared to the immune responses during the initial infection. This is because after the initial infection, memory cells (memory B cells and memory T cells) have already formed and persisted in the immune system. Upon encountering the same pathogen again, these memory cells can be quickly activated, differentiating into effector cells, thus accelerating the clearance of the pathogen. The secondary immune response involves two main branches of the immune system, namely antibody-mediated immunity and cell-mediated immunity. Memory B cells can rapidly differentiate into effector B cells that produce antibodies, while memory T cells can enhance cellular immunity through direct action or by assisting other immune cells. This makes the immune response in the body more comprehensive and robust. The effectiveness of the secondary immune response is not only reflected in its rapid response but also in the persistence of immune memory. Memory cells can survive for a long time, some even throughout the lifetime. This enduring immune memory allows the body to respond quickly and effectively to the same pathogen in the future (Netea et al., 2019). The design principles of vaccines are based on the concept of secondary immune responses. By introducing weakened or killed pathogens, parts of pathogen structures, or corresponding antigens into the host, vaccines activate the immune system to generate immune memory. When the host is re-exposed to the actual pathogen, the immune system can leverage the pre-formed immune memory to respond more quickly and effectively to the infection. 2.2 Role of immune memory cells in cancer immunotherapy In cancer immunotherapy, immune memory cells play a crucial role. The primary goal of cancer immunotherapy is to stimulate the host's immune system to recognize, attack, and eliminate tumor cells (Figure 3). Figure 3 Immunotherapy for cancer Immune memory cells can survive and form long-term immune memory after prior exposure to antigens. In cancer immunotherapy, if patients have previously undergone immunotherapy or other immune-activating methods, memory B cells and memory T cells can be rapidly activated upon encountering the same antigen (tumor cell antigen) again, generating a quick and enduring immune response. An important strategy in cancer immunotherapy involves activating or enhancing the immune system's response to tumors through means such as vaccines, CAR-T cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy), immune checkpoint inhibitors, etc. These treatment approaches can help establish anti-tumor immune memory, allowing the immune system to respond more effectively when encountering the same tumor antigen in the future (Zhao and Chen, 2020).
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