What is a plasma cell immunity?

(PLAZ-muh sel) A type of immune cell that makes large amounts of a specific antibody. Plasma cells develop from B cells that have been activated. A plasma cell is a type of white blood cell.

How do plasma cells contribute to immunity?

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.

What do plasma cells look like?

Plasma cells vary in size from 14 to 20 micrometers. They are round-to-ovoid cells containing abundant deep blue cytoplasm with a pale perinuclear area corresponding to the Golgi apparatus. They have a round, eccentrically placed nucleus with coarse chromatin arranged in a clock face (art wheel) pattern.

Where are plasma cells found?

Plasma cells are found in bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Normal bone marrow contains few plasma cells. A person with multiple myeloma often has many abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) in the bone marrow.

Where are plasma cells located?

bone marrow
Plasma cells are found in bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Normal bone marrow contains few plasma cells. A person with multiple myeloma often has many abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells can form tumours in bones called plasmacytomas.

How are plasma cells made?

Plasma cells arise from antigen-activated B cells in secondary lymphoid organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes. Remarkably, shortly after their formation plasma cells tend to home primarily to the bone marrow where they may persist for months or even years.

What are plasma cells used for?

Plasma cells develop from B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. Normally, when bacteria or viruses enter the body, some of the B cells will change into plasma cells. The plasma cells make antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses, to stop infection and disease.