plasmacellulari

Plasmacellulari, also known as plasma cells, are specialized white blood cells derived from B lymphocytes (B cells) that play a central role in the immune system's humoral response. These cells are responsible for producing and secreting antibodies (immunoglobulins), which are essential for identifying and neutralizing pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

The differentiation of B cells into plasmacellulari occurs primarily within lymphoid tissues, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. Once activated by an antigen, B cells proliferate and mature into plasma cells, which can be short-lived or long-lived depending on the immune response. Short-lived plasma cells produce large quantities of antibodies during acute infections, while long-lived plasma cells reside mainly in the bone marrow, providing sustained antibody production for immune memory.

Morphologically, plasmacellulari are characterized by a distinct appearance, with an eccentric nucleus, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum for immunoglobulin synthesis, and a perinuclear Golgi apparatus. The cytoplasm of plasma cells appears relatively basophilic due to the high content of ribosomes involved in protein production.

In pathological contexts, an abnormal proliferation of plasma cells can lead to conditions such as multiple myeloma, a type of hematologic cancer characterized by malignant plasma cell growth within the bone marrow. Other disorders involving plasma cells include monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and plasma cell dyscrasias.

Overall, plasmacellulari are vital components of adaptive immunity, facilitating targeted immune responses through antibody production and contributing to immune system memory.