Plasmasome is a term used in biology and immunology to refer to a specific type of lymphocyte, a white blood cell that is a key player in the immune system. Plasmasomes are a subset of B cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies that attack foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, in the body.
Plasmasomes, also known as plasma cells, are differentiated B cells that have undergone a process called maturation. During this process, B cells receive signals that instruct them to become antibody-secreting cells, ready to respond to an infection. These cells are characterized by the presence of abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, which plays a crucial role in the production of antibodies.
Plasmasomes are highly specialized cells that are expert at producing and secreting large quantities of antibodies, which are proteins that recognize and bind to specific antigens. Once bound to an antigen, antibodies can neutralize the threat or mark it for destruction by other immune cells. The antibodies produced by plasmasomes are crucial in the body's defense against pathogens and contribute to the immune response.
Plasmasomes are found primarily in the lymphoid tissues, such as the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. They can also be found in the peripheral blood in small numbers. Their presence in the blood can be an indicator of an active immune response or an ongoing infection.
In summary, plasmasomes are B cells that have matured into antibody-secreting cells, specializing in the production and secretion of antibodies to help fight infections and protect the body's immune system.
