Plasma Cell Selection and Migration in the Establishment of Long-Lived Antibody Responses.

As B cells are activated and differentiate into plasma cells, they execute migration programs that allow them to traffic within secondary lymphoid tissues and reach the bone marrow, where they can mature as long-lived plasma cells. Recent studies have revealed mechanisms underlying not only affinity-driven but also isotype-driven plasma cell selection. In addition, the importance of migration programs in plasma cell longevity has become increasingly appreciated. This review focuses on mechanisms that regulate plasma cell numbers and their migration to the bone marrow, with emphasis on our findings and recent advances in related fields.