What cells produce antibodies
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Antibody Production by Cells: Key Insights
Antibody-Secreting Cells (ASCs): Plasmablasts and Plasma Cells
Plasmablasts: Rapid Response Cells
Plasmablasts are the rapidly produced, short-lived effector cells that emerge early in the antibody 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 crucial for the immediate humoral response1 2.
Plasma Cells: Long-Lived Immunity Mediators
Plasma cells, on the other hand, are long-lived and highly specialized cells that produce high-affinity antibodies. These cells are essential for lasting humoral immunity and are derived from B cells through a process that involves significant cellular and molecular regulation. Plasma cells can maintain high rates of antibody production for extended periods, sometimes for the life of the individual1 2 3.
Differentiation and Function of ASCs
B Cell Precursors and Differentiation
Antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) originate from B cell precursors. The differentiation process can occur extrafollicularly or within germinal centers in secondary lymphoid organs. This differentiation is influenced by a central gene-regulatory network and environmental stimuli, which guide B cells to become either plasmablasts or plasma cells1 2.
Functional Specialization
ASCs are unique in their gene expression and metabolic pathways, which enable them to produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies. This specialization includes an extraordinary rate of immunoglobulin gene transcription, translation, assembly, and secretion. These cellular and molecular adaptations are critical for the high efficiency of antibody production3.
Anatomical Localization and Lifespan
Distribution in the Body
Plasma cells are found in various tissues, including the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and mucosal tissues. They are particularly abundant in the medullary areas of lymph nodes and the red pulp of the spleen. These cells can also be located in the submucosa of the ileum and the portal connective tissue of the liver5 6.
Lifespan Variability
The lifespan of ASCs varies significantly. Plasmablasts are short-lived, while plasma cells can persist for long periods, contributing to sustained antibody production and long-term immunity. This variability in lifespan is linked to their role in either immediate or long-term immune responses2 3.
Cellular and Molecular Characteristics
Morphology and Gene Expression
ASCs are phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct from other B cells. They exhibit unique morphological features, such as a large nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm in immature stages, which evolve as they mature into plasma cells. These cells also show a high degree of specialization in their endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which are essential for their function in antibody production5 7.
Metabolic Pathways
The metabolic pathways in ASCs are adapted to support their high rates of antibody production. This includes enhanced protein synthesis machinery and efficient energy utilization, which are necessary for the continuous production and secretion of antibodies3.
Conclusion
Antibody production is a complex process primarily carried out by plasmablasts and plasma cells, collectively known as antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). These cells originate from B cell precursors and undergo significant differentiation and specialization to fulfill their roles in the immune response. Plasmablasts provide a rapid, short-term response, while plasma cells ensure long-term immunity through sustained antibody production. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of ASCs is crucial for advancing immunological research and therapeutic interventions.
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 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.
Plasma 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 CitedAntibody 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
Antibody production begins in immature cells in lymph nodes, with primary and secondary responses resulting in different numbers of antibody-containing cells.
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 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 CitedTHE FAILURE OF THYMUS‐DERIVED CELLS TO PRODUCE ANTIBODY
Thymus-derived cells show strong antigen-specific responses but lack antibody production, while bone marrow-derived cells show limited antibody production during a secondary immune response.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedSTUDIES ON ANTIBODY-PRODUCING CELLS
Antibody-producing cells in the mouse and rabbit spleen and lymph node show fine gradations of differentiation, with most lymphocytic cells and transitional lymphocytes showing a similar distribution.
In Vitro Study