Why our immune system remembers vaccinations for decades
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The human immune system’s ability to remember vaccinations for decades has long been a mystery, but new research offers a groundbreaking explanation. Scientists from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen have discovered that the immune cells responsible for immunological memory enter a type of standby mode early on, enabling them to survive for decades without active stimulation. This "quiescent" state allows these memory T and B cells to remain ready to respond to threats like viruses or bacteria long after a vaccination or infection.
The study highlights how these memory cells switch to a low metabolic activity phase, which helps them conserve energy while maintaining their ability to quickly reactivate when needed. This mechanism explains why vaccines, such as those for measles or tetanus, provide lifelong protection in many cases. The findings published in *Nature Immunology* reveal that the immune system’s memory isn’t just passive—it relies on a sophisticated cellular strategy to ensure long-term defense.
Understanding how immune cells maintain their readiness over time is a significant advancement in immunology. This knowledge could lead to better vaccines and treatments for diseases where immunity fades, such as COVID-19 or other viral infections. It also opens new avenues for developing therapies that boost immune memory, potentially offering longer-lasting protection against pathogens. For the general public, this research underscores the importance of vaccination, as it equips the body with a durable defense system capable of enduring for decades.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026