B lymphocyte (B cell) and plasma cell (PC) (B cell and PC)

B cells and plasma cells are the primary mediators of the humoral immune response, originating from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow (StatPearls). B cells recognize antigens through B-cell receptors and, upon activation, differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells or memory B cells (NIH). While essential for immunity, these cells are the origin of various hematologic malignancies, including B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma, and contribute to autoimmune diseases through the production of autoantibodies (PubMed). Therapeutic targeting of these cells typically involves monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, or CAR-T cells directed against specific surface proteins such as CD19, CD20, CD38, or B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). Depletion of these lineages can effectively treat cancer and autoimmunity but often results in therapeutic challenges such as hypogammaglobulinemia and a significantly increased risk of infection (Journal of Clinical Oncology).

Other names

B lymphocytesPlasma cellsAntibody-secreting cellsPlasmacytesEffector B cellsCD19+ cellsCD20+ cells

Depletion of specific B-cell or plasma cell populations via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), direct apoptosis induction, or T-cell mediated cytotoxicity (via CAR-T cells or bispecific antibodies) targeting lineage-specific surface antigens.