Plasma cell generation during T-cell-dependent immune responses

Plasma cells are terminally differentiated from activated B cells and are specialized for secreting antibodies, which are essential effector molecules in humoral immunity to neutralize invading pathogens. Upon challenge with T-cell-dependent antigens, plasma cells can be generated during the primary extrafollicular response, the germinal center (GC) response or the secondary memory response. Recent studies have revealed that plasma cell generation is regulated not only by several key transcription factors but also by epigenetic modifications. In addition, the differentiation of GC B cells toward a plasma cell fate is associated with affinity for antigens and is determined by the strength of contact with T follicular helper cells.