Differentiation and maintenance of long-lived plasma cells.

Long-lived plasma cells, which mostly reside in the bone marrow have been shown to be vital for protection from recurrent infections. Recent gene-targeting and cell-ablation experiments have solidified the concept that their survival depends on both cell-intrinsic programs and extrinsic factors. The BTB transcription factor ZBTB20, which is expressed at high levels in long-lived plasma cells, is critical for their survival. On the other hand, eosinophils, megakaryocytes and monocytes function to establish a niche for long-lived plasma cells by secreting cytokines and growth factors such as APRIL and IL6.