What are cells that produce antibodies
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Antibody-Producing Cells: Plasmablasts and Plasma Cells
Introduction to Antibody-Secreting Cells (ASCs)
Antibodies are crucial components of the immune system, providing both immediate and long-term protection against pathogens. The cells responsible for producing these antibodies are known as antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), which include plasmablasts and plasma cells 23.
Plasmablasts: The Early Responders
Plasmablasts are the rapidly produced, short-lived effector cells that emerge early in the immune response. These cells are derived from activated B cells and are responsible for the initial wave of antibody production. Plasmablasts generally secrete lower-affinity antibodies and are less mature compared to plasma cells 13.
Plasma Cells: The Long-Term Defenders
Plasma cells, on the other hand, are long-lived and highly specialized cells that maintain lasting humoral immunity. These cells are also derived from B cells but undergo extensive maturation processes, often within germinal centers of secondary lymphoid organs. Plasma cells secrete high-affinity antibodies and can sustain antibody production for extended periods, sometimes for the life of the individual 123.
Cellular and Molecular Specialization
ASCs are unique in their gene expression programs and metabolic pathways, which enable them to achieve extraordinary rates of immunoglobulin gene transcription, translation, assembly, and secretion. This specialization is crucial for maintaining high rates of antibody production 2. The differentiation of B cells into ASCs is governed by a central gene-regulatory network and is influenced by environmental stimuli 1.
Anatomical Localization and Lifespan
The anatomical localization and lifespan of ASCs vary significantly. Plasmablasts are typically found in the medullary areas of lymph nodes and other secondary lymphoid organs, where they rapidly produce antibodies following an antigenic stimulus 56. Plasma cells, however, are often located in the bone marrow, spleen, and other tissues, where they can persist and continue to produce antibodies over long periods 57.
Functional and Transcriptional Diversity
ASCs are phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct from other B cells. Single-cell technologies, such as flow and mass cytometry, are essential for studying the functional and transcriptional diversity of ASCs. These technologies help in understanding the specificity, affinity, and secretion rates of the antibodies produced by individual ASCs 3.
Conclusion
In summary, plasmablasts and plasma cells are the primary cells responsible for antibody production. Plasmablasts provide a rapid but short-lived antibody response, while plasma cells ensure long-term immunity. The unique cellular and molecular adaptations of ASCs enable them to maintain high rates of antibody production, making them indispensable components of the immune system.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The generation of antibody-secreting plasma cells
The generation of antibody-secreting plasma cells is a complex process governed by a central gene-regulatory network and modified by environmental stimuli.
Highly CitedPlasma cells: The programming of an antibody‐secreting machine
Antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) are uniquely specialized in their gene expression program and metabolic pathways, enabling high rates of antibody production for the life of the individual.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedSingle-Cell Technologies for the Study of Antibody-Secreting Cells
Single-cell technologies enable high-throughput characterization of antibody-secreting cells, revealing their functional and transcriptional diversity, and their contribution to the polyclonal humoral response.
Antibody Production by Single Cells
This study demonstrates that single cells from a rat can produce detectable amounts of antibodies in microdroplets, using Salmonella serotypes immobilized by anti-flagellar antibody.
Highly CitedSTUDIES ON ANTIBODY PRODUCTION
This study demonstrates a method to specifically detect antibody in cells and parts of cells, revealing antibody against human -globulin or ovalbumin in various tissues.
Highly CitedSTUDIES ON ANTIBODY PRODUCTION
Antibody production begins in immature cells in lymph nodes, with primary and secondary responses resulting in different numbers of antibody-containing cells.
Highly CitedELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS ON ANTIBODY-PRODUCING CELLS IN LYMPH AND BLOOD
Antibody-producing cells in lymphatic vessels, thoracic duct, and peripheral blood show common features, but differ in organelle organization and cytoplasmic composition.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedFurther experimental studies on the role of the plasma cells as antibody producers.
Plasma cells produce antibodies in the renal sinus, a rich adipose tissue in rabbits, suggesting they play a significant role in antibody production.
Highly CitedClonal selection and learning in the antibody system
Cells with high affinity for antigen survive and become memory cells, while autoreactive cells are counter-selected at both stages.
Highly CitedELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS ON ANTIBODY-PRODUCING LYMPH NODE CELLS
Antibody-producing lymph node cells in rabbits can be divided into lymphocytes and plasma cells, with variations in organelle development and cellular characteristics.
Highly Cited