Journal of Vaccine Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 32-39 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/jvr 37 External environmental factors can also influence the maintenance of immune memory. Factors such as chronic infections, inflammation, lifestyle, etc., may have an impact on immune memory. Therefore, maintaining immune memory depends not only on intracellular regulatory mechanisms but is also influenced by the external environment. 3.2 Genetic basis of immune memory The genetic basis of immune memory refers to the genes and genetic mechanisms involved in the formation and maintenance of immune memory in the immune system. This includes genes that influence the formation, survival, and re-response to antigens of memory B cells and memory T cells. The formation and maintenance of immune memory involve the regulation of gene expression. During the immune response, certain genes are activated or suppressed, leading to the differentiation, proliferation, and functional roles of immune cells. This regulation of gene expression involves multiple levels, including transcription factors, signaling pathway molecules, and more. The formation of immune memory begins with the recognition of antigens by immune cells. The genetic diversity encoding antigen receptors is a crucial genetic foundation for immune memory. In B cells, the immunoglobulin genes generate diverse antibodies through the combination of V (variable), D (diversity), and J (joining) genes. In T cells, the T cell receptors are formed through a similar mechanism. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play a crucial role in the formation of immune memory and antigen presentation. MHC molecules are responsible for presenting antigens to T cells, and an individual's MHC genotype determines how it recognizes specific antigens (Figure 4). Variations in MHC genotypes influence the sensitivity and specificity of the immune system to antigens (Christian, 2020). Figure 4 Antigen presentation Immune memory also involves the regulation of epigenetics, which means influencing gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and other mechanisms without altering the DNA sequence. These epigenetic changes play a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of immune memory. Genetic polymorphism (i.e., differences in genotypes) between individuals plays a significant role in the diversity and variability of immune memory. The genotype of different individuals determines their sensitivity to antigens and their responses to immune challenges such as infections and vaccines. 3.3 Metabolic regulation of immune memory The activity and function of immune memory cells are not only influenced by immune regulatory factors but also regulated by metabolic pathways. Metabolic regulation is a crucial aspect of the formation and maintenance of immune memory, affecting the generation, survival, and function of immune memory cells.
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