plasma cell

American  

noun

1. Anatomy. an antibody-secreting cell, derived from B cells, that plays a major role in antibody-mediated immunity.

---

plasma cell Scientific  

1. A lymphocyte that originates from a B cell and produces antibodies as part of a humoral immune response.

2. See Note at antibody

---

Etymology

Origin of plasma cell

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does plasma-cell compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• plasma cell vs. lymphocyte

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

plasma cell

Natural killer cells secrete interferons, which help the B cell to multiply and mature into an antibody-producing plasma cell.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

In this cancer, a type of white cell called a plasma cell creates abnormal fibers that can break down and form the characteristic saw-toothed fibers of amyloidosis.

From New York Times ● Jul. 28, 2021

Facebook Twitter Pinterest A microscopic view of a plasma cell inside a blood vessel.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 4, 2015

One minor difference in the way these proteins are synthesized distinguishes a naïve B cell with antibody on its surface from an antibody-secreting plasma cell with no antibodies on its surface.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

There was an acute parenchymatous nephritis with focal plasma cell infiltrations suggesting acute interstitial nephritis.

From The Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Volume 10 by Various