What is the process of deliberately exposing an individual to a pathogen to produce memory cells called?

The process of deliberately exposing an individual to a pathogen to produce memory cells is known as immunization. Immunization aims to stimulate the immune system so that it can recognize and respond more effectively to future infections by the same pathogen. This process can involve the administration of vaccines, which typically contain weakened or inactivated forms of the pathogen, or pieces of it, such as proteins.

When the immune system encounters this material, it activates and produces memory cells specific to the pathogen. These memory cells allow the immune system to respond more rapidly and effectively if the individual is later exposed to the actual pathogen, providing immunity.

While vaccination is a common method of immunization, the term immunization encompasses all strategies used to achieve immunity, including vaccination itself. Infection refers to the occurrence of disease due to a pathogen, and allergen sensitization involves the immune system's response to usually harmless substances, which is different from the concept of creating immunity through exposure to pathogens.