Invention:
This invention is a method to generate plasma cells from primary and stem cell-derived B cells and includes characterization of cellular intermediates during the maturation process.
Background:
The inefficient generation of plasma cells from primary naïve B cells is due to a combination of intrinsic cellular limitations and external signaling requirements. Human pluripotent stem cells can serve as a scalable source of therapeutic cell types, such as antibody-secreting plasma cells, by providing a limitless, adaptable supply of cells that may be guided through a multi-phase differentiation process that resembles the ontogeny of primary naive B cells.
Applications:
- Antibody production therapeutic
- Immunotherapy
- Immune system modeling
- Infectious disease research
- Drug development
Advantages:
- Scalable and renewable source for generating plasma cells
- Facilitates genetic engineering and manipulation
- Provides greater consistency of plasma cells
