Medical Term Definition

Plasma Cell

A specialized immune cell that develops from an activated B lymphocyte and produces large amounts of antibodies.

When a B lymphocyte is appropriately activated, some of its descendants differentiate into plasma cells. These cells are specialized for producing and secreting antibodies that recognize specific targets, such as components of infectious agents.

Plasma cells can be short-lived or persist for much longer periods. Long-lived plasma cells can continue producing antibodies after an infection or vaccination, contributing to lasting immune protection.

QUICK FACT

Plasma cells are essentially antibody-producing specialists. They are derived from B lymphocytes but are structurally and functionally different from typical circulating B cells.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

B lymphocyte: A B lymphocyte can recognize specific targets and can differentiate into a plasma cell; a plasma cell is the specialized antibody-secreting descendant.

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