Do Memory B cells produce a faster and more intense response to a subsequent exposure to an antigen?

Memory B cells are a critical component of the adaptive immune response. Upon the first exposure to an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies. Some of these B cells then become memory B cells, which have a long lifespan and reside in the body after the primary immune response has concluded. When the body is exposed to the same antigen again, these memory B cells can quickly recognize it and mount a response.

The speed and intensity of the immune response are significantly enhanced due to the presence of memory B cells. They can rapidly proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells upon subsequent exposures, leading to a more robust and efficient antibody response. This phenomenon is a crucial aspect of the body's ability to remember past infections and respond more effectively in the future, which is the principle behind vaccinations.

The other options don't reflect the established roles of memory B cells. For instance, the statement regarding a faster and more intense response is not limited to just the first exposure or dependent on modification. Instead, memory B cells are inherently designed to provide this enhanced response upon re-exposure to their specific antigen.