Immunological memory has long been described as a property of the adaptive immune system that results in potent responses on exposure to an antigen encountered previously. While this definition appears to exclude cells that do not express antigen receptors, recent studies have shown that innate immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and, more recently, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) can record previous activations and respond more vigorously on reactivation. Here we review the similarities and differences between these forms of memory and the underlying mechanisms. Based on these insights, we propose to revise the definition of immunological memory, as the capacity to remember being previously activated and respond more efficiently on reactivation regardless of antigen specificity.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.