What do antigen-specific B-cells develop into following an infection or vaccination?

Following an infection or vaccination, antigen-specific B-cells undergo differentiation into two crucial types of cells that play vital roles in the immune response: antibody-secreting cells, predominantly plasma cells, and memory B-cells.

Plasma cells are responsible for producing and secreting antibodies that specifically target and neutralize pathogens. This process is essential for effectively combatting infections, as antibodies can bind to antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction or preventing them from infecting host cells.

On the other hand, memory B-cells are formed to provide long-term immunity. These cells "remember" the specific antigen encountered during the initial infection or vaccination, enabling a faster and stronger immune response upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen. This principle underpins the effectiveness of vaccines, as they prepare the immune system for future encounters with the infectious agent.

This dual differentiation into plasma cells and memory B-cells ensures both immediate protection against an infection and a robust immunological memory that can provide long-lasting immunity.