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Module 2.3 · Topic 7
Module 2.3 · Topic 7
Knowing when to stop, and what to keep
A functioning immune system has to solve two problems that pull in opposite directions: shut itself down once a threat clears, so it doesn't keep damaging healthy tissue — and somehow still respond faster and harder the second time the exact same threat shows up. Both problems trace back to specific, separate mechanisms.
You're exposed to the same pathogen twice, weeks apart. Compared to the first exposure, does the second immune response typically start faster, slower, or the same?
The secondary immune response is faster and stronger than the primary response mainly because:
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