Abstract
Immunological memory is defined by the ability of a host to remember a past encounter with a specific pathogen and to respond to it in an effective manner upon re-exposure. How long immunological memory can be maintained in the absence of re-infection continues to be a subject of great controversy. Recent studies on immunity following smallpox vaccination demonstrate that T-cell memory declines steadily with a half-life of 8-15 years, whereas antiviral antibody responses are maintained for up to 75 years without appreciable decline. By combining recent advances in quantitative immunology with historical accounts of protection against smallpox dating back to the time of Edward Jenner, we are gaining a better understanding of the duration and magnitude of immunological memory and how it relates to protective immunity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 443-450 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Current opinion in immunology |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs |
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State | Published - Aug 2004 |
Keywords
- AIDS
- CMV
- ELISPOT
- HIV
- IFN
- LCMV
- RSV
- VN
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
- choriomeningitis virus
- enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot
- human immunodeficiency virus
- interferon
- lymphocytic CMV
- respiratory syncytial virus
- vaccinia necrosum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology