Plasmacyte

Plasmacyte is a type of B cell that produces antibodies in the immune system. They are also known as effector B cells or plasma cells. Plasmacytes are derived from B cells that have been activated by the binding of an antigen to the B cell receptor.

Function

Plasmacytes are responsible for the production of antibodies, which are proteins that can bind to specific antigens and neutralize them. This is a crucial part of the immune response to infections.

Development

Plasmacytes develop from B cells in a process called B cell differentiation. This process is triggered when a B cell encounters an antigen that matches its B cell receptor. The B cell then undergoes a series of changes, including proliferation and the production of plasma cells, which are the cells that actually produce the antibodies.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in plasmacyte function or number can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that involves the uncontrolled proliferation of plasmacytes. In addition, some autoimmune diseases are thought to involve the production of autoantibodies by plasmacytes.

See also

• B cell
• Antibody
• Immune system
• Multiple myeloma

References

Plasmacyte Resources
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