Long-lived plasma cell

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Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) are a distinct subset of plasma cells that play a crucial role in maintaining humoral memory and long-term immunity.^[1] They continuously produce and secrete high-affinity antibodies into the bloodstream, conversely to memory B cells, which are quiescent and respond quickly to antigens upon recall.^[2]

Initially, it was believed that memory B cells replenish LLPCs.^[1] However, allergen-specific IgE production through bone marrow transplantation in non-allergic individuals suggests LLPCs may be long-lived. Allergies developed without antigenic re-stimulation.^[2] That led to the understanding that LLPCs are long-lived cells, contributing to the sustained production of specific antibodies^[3]