Histology, Plasma Cells

Plasma cells are differentiated B-lymphocyte white blood cells capable of secreting immunoglobulin or antibodies. They play a significant role in the adaptive immune response, being the main cells responsible for humoral immunity. Without their presence, an individual is said to have agammaglobulinemia and is highly susceptible to recurrent infection. Here, the hematopoietic lineage, structure, and function of plasma cells, along with the clinical presentations arising from improper plasma cell growth and development, are reviewed.