Fantastic IgA plasma cells and where to find them

Immunol Rev. 2021 Sep;303(1):119-137. doi: 10.1111/imr.12980. Epub 2021 May 27.

Abstract

IgA is produced in large quantities at mucosal surfaces by IgA+ plasma cells (PC), protecting the host from pathogens, and restricting commensal access to the subepithelium. It is becoming increasingly appreciated that IgA+ PC are not constrained to mucosal barrier sites. Rather, IgA+ PC may leave these sites where they provide both host defense and immunoregulatory function. In this review, we will outline how IgA+ PC are generated within the mucosae and how they subsequently migrate to their "classical" effector site, the gut lamina propria. From there we provide examples of IgA+ PC displacement from the gut to other parts of the body, referencing examples during homeostasis and inflammation. Lastly, we will speculate on mechanisms of IgA+ PC displacement to other tissues. Our aim is to provide a new perspective on how IgA+ PC are truly fantastic beasts of the immune system and identify new places to find them.

Keywords: IgA; IgA plasma cells (PC); Peyer's patches (PP); autoimmune disease; bone marrow (BM); intestinal lamina propria (LP); mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Peyer's Patches*
  • Plasma Cells*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A

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