Plasmablast

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Plasmablasts are a type of B cell that produce antibody in response to an immune response. They are derived from germinal center B cells following somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination. Plasmablasts are typically short-lived and differentiate into plasma cells, which are long-lived and continue to produce antibody.

Function[edit | edit source]

Plasmablasts are responsible for the production of antibody during an immune response. They are derived from germinal center B cells following somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination, processes that increase the affinity and specificity of the antibody for its target antigen.

Differentiation[edit | edit source]

Following activation by an antigen, B cells enter the germinal center where they undergo somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination. The B cells that have successfully undergone these processes differentiate into plasmablasts. Plasmablasts are typically short-lived and differentiate into plasma cells, which are long-lived and continue to produce antibody.

Role in disease[edit | edit source]

Plasmablasts have been implicated in several diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. In autoimmune diseases, plasmablasts may produce autoantibodies that target the body's own tissues. In cancer, plasmablasts may contribute to tumor growth and progression.

See also[edit | edit source]

Plasmablast Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD