Plasma Cells

Plasma cells differentiate from B cells once a B cell has interacted with its target antigen.

Stimulation of differentiation

One the antigen binds to a B cell's surface receptors and the cell has interacted with a T helper cell, signaling takes place that triggers the B cell conversion to a Plasma cell. These cells migrate back to the peripheral lymphatic tissues such as the lymph nodes or spleen to undergoes their changes.

Outcome of differentiation

During differentiation, the cell will develop a large volume of Golgi apparatus to facilitate high volume antibody production. The cell will also lose its ability to respond to antigens as the cell surface receptors are downregulated.