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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
10:26
In Vitro Differentiation Model of Human Normal Memory B Cells to Long-lived Plasma Cells
Published on: January 20, 2019
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Epigenetic remodeling by vitamin C potentiates plasma cell differentiation
Heng-Yi Chen1, Ana Almonte-Loya1,2, Fang-Yun Lay1
1Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
Elife
|September 7, 2022
Summary
Vitamin C (ascorbate) significantly boosts antibody production by enhancing B cell differentiation into plasma cells. This essential nutrient regulates gene expression through epigenetic modifications, crucial for a robust immune response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Ascorbate (vitamin C) is vital for human health.
- Scurvy, a deficiency in ascorbate, is linked to increased infection susceptibility.
- The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms of ascorbate's immune effects were previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how ascorbate influences the immune system at cellular and molecular levels.
- To identify ascorbate's role in antibody production and B cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Micronutrient analysis was performed.
- B cell differentiation was studied in mouse and human cell lines.
- Epigenetic modifications, including DNA demethylation at the Prdm1 locus, were analyzed.
- Interleukin-21 (IL-21)/STAT3 signaling pathways were examined.
Main Results:
- Ascorbate potently enhances antibody response by promoting IL-21/STAT3-dependent plasma cell differentiation in B cells.
- Ascorbate's effect is unique among antioxidants, specifically facilitating early B cell activation towards plasma cell lineage.
- As a cofactor for epigenetic enzymes (TET2/3), ascorbate mediates DNA demethylation at the Prdm1 locus, increasing STAT3 binding and gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Adequate ascorbate levels are essential for effective antibody production.
- Micronutrients can regulate epigenetic enzyme activity to control gene expression and cell fate.
- Epigenetic enzymes may act as metabolite sensors influencing cellular decisions.
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