Plasma cell

A plasma cell is a type of white blood cell that produces a specific type of antibody known as an immunoglobulin in response to an antigen. Plasma cells are created in the bone marrow and are a crucial part of the immune system.

File:Multinucleated plasma cell -- very high mag.jpg

Multinucleated plasma cell - very high mag

Structure

Plasma cells are large lymphocytes with a small nucleus and a large amount of cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is filled with rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in the production of antibodies.

Function

The primary function of plasma cells is to produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the antigen that stimulated their production. The antibodies produced by plasma cells are released into the blood and lymph, where they bind to the specific antigen and help to neutralize or eliminate it.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in plasma cells can lead to a number of diseases. For example, multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that arises from plasma cells. In this disease, the plasma cells multiply uncontrollably and produce large amounts of a single type of antibody, which can cause damage to various organs.

Plasma cell dyscrasias are a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells. These include multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

See also

• B cell
• Immune system
• Antibody