The immune system "walls off" the TB bacilli which, protected by a thick waxy coat, can lie dormant for years.

免疫系统会把结核杆菌“屏蔽”起来，结核杆菌在厚厚的腊质胞壁的保护下可潜伏多年。

youdao

It's strange indeed how memories can lie dormant in a man's mind for so many years.

记忆如何能在人的头脑中潜伏这么多年，实在是非常奇怪。

youdao

Most people don't know they have it because the disease can lie dormant for decades.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Lupus can lie dormant for long periods of time--the idea was that Benlysta only works if the immune system is actively attacking the body.

FORBES: Health Care

Tuberculosis can lie dormant in a person for years and then strike when the immune system is weak.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Breathalyser detects tuberculosis