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Long-lived plasma cell
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Long-lived plasma cell
Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) are a distinct subset of plasma cells that play a crucial role in maintaining humoral memory and long-term immunity. They continuously produce and secrete high-affinity antibodies into the bloodstream, conversely to memory B cells, which are quiescent and respond quickly to antigens upon recall.
Initially, it was believed that memory B cells replenish LLPCs. However, allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) production through bone marrow transplantation in non-allergic individuals suggests LLPCs may be long-lived because the allergies developed without antigenic re-stimulation. That led to the understanding that LLPCs are long-lived cells that contribute to the sustained production of specific antibodies.
The niche for long-lived plasma cells is a subject of ongoing research, and while some aspects are understood, many questions remain. LLPCs are not inherently long-lived, and their survival relies on accessing specific pro-survival niches in the bone marrow, secondary lymphoid organs, mucosal tissues, and sites of inflammation. The bone marrow has traditionally been considered the primary residence for LLPCs, offering a dynamic micro-environment that supports the formation of complex niches. However, recent studies have revealed that LLPCs can also reside in other locations, such as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), where they primarily produce IgA antibodies.
Clear markers that distinguish LLPCs have yet to be fully identified. However, LLPCs exhibit a gene expression signature characterised by down-regulating antigen presentation and B-cell receptor (BCR) function-related genes. Conversely, only a tiny number of genes are up-regulated in LLPC, including anti-apoptotic genes such as MCL1 and ZNF667, ER stress-associated genes like ERO1LB and MANF, and the retention of TFBS and SRF in the bone marrow.
Furthermore, expression levels of surface markers, such as CD38 and CD19, vary among plasma cells and are associated with functional differences. These differences include the plasma cells producing either high-affinity or low-affinity antibodies.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the survival of LLPCs through various mechanisms. LLPCs rely on intrinsic signals for their long-term survival and function. Unique metabolic pathways, including autophagy and the unfolded protein response (UPR), are essential for LLPCs to cope with the high protein load and ER stress of continuous antibody production.
The LLPC niche consists of various extrinsic factors that support their survival and function.
Morphologically, LLPCs exhibit distinct alterations, such as an expansion of rough endoplasmic reticulum, reflecting their specialised role in antibody production. Most mRNA synthesised by LLPCs is dedicated to immunoglobulins, indicating their primary function and the loss of other cellular abilities.
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Long-lived plasma cell AI simulator
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Long-lived plasma cell
Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) are a distinct subset of plasma cells that play a crucial role in maintaining humoral memory and long-term immunity. They continuously produce and secrete high-affinity antibodies into the bloodstream, conversely to memory B cells, which are quiescent and respond quickly to antigens upon recall.
Initially, it was believed that memory B cells replenish LLPCs. However, allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) production through bone marrow transplantation in non-allergic individuals suggests LLPCs may be long-lived because the allergies developed without antigenic re-stimulation. That led to the understanding that LLPCs are long-lived cells that contribute to the sustained production of specific antibodies.
The niche for long-lived plasma cells is a subject of ongoing research, and while some aspects are understood, many questions remain. LLPCs are not inherently long-lived, and their survival relies on accessing specific pro-survival niches in the bone marrow, secondary lymphoid organs, mucosal tissues, and sites of inflammation. The bone marrow has traditionally been considered the primary residence for LLPCs, offering a dynamic micro-environment that supports the formation of complex niches. However, recent studies have revealed that LLPCs can also reside in other locations, such as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), where they primarily produce IgA antibodies.
Clear markers that distinguish LLPCs have yet to be fully identified. However, LLPCs exhibit a gene expression signature characterised by down-regulating antigen presentation and B-cell receptor (BCR) function-related genes. Conversely, only a tiny number of genes are up-regulated in LLPC, including anti-apoptotic genes such as MCL1 and ZNF667, ER stress-associated genes like ERO1LB and MANF, and the retention of TFBS and SRF in the bone marrow.
Furthermore, expression levels of surface markers, such as CD38 and CD19, vary among plasma cells and are associated with functional differences. These differences include the plasma cells producing either high-affinity or low-affinity antibodies.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the survival of LLPCs through various mechanisms. LLPCs rely on intrinsic signals for their long-term survival and function. Unique metabolic pathways, including autophagy and the unfolded protein response (UPR), are essential for LLPCs to cope with the high protein load and ER stress of continuous antibody production.
The LLPC niche consists of various extrinsic factors that support their survival and function.
Morphologically, LLPCs exhibit distinct alterations, such as an expansion of rough endoplasmic reticulum, reflecting their specialised role in antibody production. Most mRNA synthesised by LLPCs is dedicated to immunoglobulins, indicating their primary function and the loss of other cellular abilities.