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The Plasma Cell

Plasma cells are discussed more rarely in the literature than other cells types because they are a terminal cell and known only to produce specific antibody. Nevertheless, they are important not only in their normal function but also related to some of the disease syndromes they are involved with such as primary amyloidosis which is an excess of light immunoglobulin chains that are abnormally secreted from plasma cells, and the involvement with multiple myeloma. These syndromes are difficult to treat and thus have a high mortality rate. Research and disease treatments will continue as a result of the involvement of plasma cells in both the healthy immune response and disease syndromes.

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 Plasma Cells: Guardians of the Adaptive Immune System

Plasma cells, renowned as plasmocytes within the scientific community, represent a specialized group of white blood cells that assume a pivotal role in the adaptive immune system. Derived from B-cells, another type of immune cell, plasma cells exhibit a fascinating lineage. Originating in the bone marrow, B-cells undergo a complex cascade of genetic rearrangements to acquire the ability to recognize an extensive array of potential pathogens. Once matured, these remarkable cells migrate to lymphoid tissues, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils, where they become activated in response to infections.

 Plasma cells: The programming of an antibody-secreting machine

Antibodies are an essential component of our immune system, underpinning the effectiveness of both the primary immune response to microbial pathogens and the protective and long-lived immunity against re-challenge. All antibodies are produced by relatively rare populations of plasmablasts and plasma cells, collectively termed antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). It is now apparent that ASCs are unique in the body in terms of their gene expression program and metabolic pathways that enable these cells to have an extraordinary rate of immunoglobulin gene transcription, translation, assembly and secretion.

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Plasma Cell Disorders

There are multiple plasma cell diseases that are characterized by their abnormal plasma cell activity. These disorders can be precursors to multiple myeloma.

Plasma Cells

Plasma cells are terminally differentiated B lymphocytes that provide protective immunity through the continuous secretion of antibodies. Antibody-secreting cells develop in secondary lymphoid tissue following antigen stimulation and may enter a short-lived plasma cell population that reside primarily in the nonlymphoid area of the spleen or lymph nodes, or instead may migrate to the bone marrow where the majority enter a long-lived population of plasma cells.

Plasma Cells, the Next Generation: Beyond Antibody Secretion

Plasma cells (PCs) represent the terminal differentiation step of mature B lymphocytes. These cells are most recognizable for their extended lifespan as well as their ability to secrete large amounts of antibodies (Abs) thus positioning this cell type as a key component of humoral immunity. However, it is now appreciated that PCs can have far reaching effects on pathologic as well as non-pathologic processes independent of Ab secretion.

Plasma cells: you are what you eat

Plasma cells are terminally differentiated B lymphocytes that constitutively secrete antibodies. These antibodies can provide protection against pathogens, and their quantity and quality are the best clinical correlates of vaccine efficacy. As such, plasma cell lifespan is the primary determinant of the duration of humoral immunity. Yet dysregulation of plasma cell function can cause autoimmunity or multiple myeloma.

The plasma cells

B cells develop into plasma cells that make antibodies to fight infection. Multiple myeloma starts in B cells.

What do Plasma Cells do?

Apart from a short lifespan, though some plasma cells have been shown to survive for several months to years, plasma cells are also characterized by their ability to produce large amounts of antibodies (proteins produced in response to antigens).

About Multiple Myeloma, Amyloidosis, and Other Plasma Cell Disorders

It is still generally unknown what exactly causes plasma cell disorders, but certain risk factors have been identified that may increase a person’s risk of developing multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or other plasma cell disorders. These risk factors are not automatic indicators that someone may develop these diseases, but they are important to be aware of for a general increased risk. Learn more about these risk factors.

Differentiation into Plasma Cells: A Journey of Specialization

Following activation, a subset of B cells undergoes differentiation to become plasma cells. This transformation is driven by cytokines and co-stimulatory signals, such as those received from T helper cells. These signals activate specific transcription factors, like Blimp-1 and XBP-1, which orchestrate the transition into antibody-producing factories.

In good times and in bad: How plasma cells resolve stress for a life-long union with the bone marrow

The plasma cell (PC) is the terminal differentiation state of B lymphocytes, phenotypically characterized by an enlarged granular cell body with a highly productive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and strict energetic requirements to maintain their main function: antibody production. Despite being mitotically quiescent, PC are able to keep up high anabolic activity for months, up to several years.

Plasma Cell Neoplasms

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is not cancer but can become cancer. The following types of plasma cell neoplasms are cancer: Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (also called Waldenström macroglobulinemia). Plasmacytoma. Multiple myeloma.

The Maintenance of Memory Plasma Cells

It is now well accepted that plasma cells can become long-lived (memory) plasma cells and secrete antibodies for months, years or a lifetime. However, the mechanisms involved in this process of humoral memory, which is crucial for both protective immunity and autoimmunity, still are not fully understood.

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KenHub

Plasma cells are relatively large, ovoid antibody-producing cells. These cells are derived from activated B lymphocytes. Plasma cells are prevalent in loose connective tissue, and are found particularly in areas where antigens enter the body. This includes areas such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. They are also a natural component of salivary glands, lymph nodes, and hematopoietic tissue.

StatPearls

Plasma cells are differentiated B-lymphocyte white blood cells capable of secreting immunoglobulin or antibodies. They play a significant role in the adaptive immune response, being the main cells responsible for humoral immunity. Without their presence, an individual is said to have agammaglobulinemia and is highly susceptible to recurrent infection.