Plasma cells were created when the immune systemwas exposed to pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. When our immune system encounters a new pathogen, it can create plasma cells that secrete antibodies to specifically prevent future infections, generating immunity.
Our bone marrow is like a long-term storage facility for plasma cells, allowing them to continue producing antibodies to protect against future infections. Until now, it was not known why some plasma cells moved into the bone marrow, while others remained in the blood stream and perished after a few days.
The research team discovered that when the gene that produces the transcription factor protein c- Myb was removed, plasma cells were no longer able to move into the bone marrow to provide long-term immunity.
The findings are published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
http://jem.rupress.org/content/212/7/1001.abstract