Multi-modal analysis of human Plasma-cells

Plasma cells are key components of humoral immunity by secreting antibodies and providing protection against pathogens. These cells can be of IgM, IgA, or IgG subclass and migrate to class-specific niches. Localization and rareness of plasma cells make it challenge to define subclass-specific molecular hallmarks. Here, we describe how in-vitro differentiation of peripheral B-cells results in antibody-secreting plasma cells. Using a single-cell multi-modal sequencing approach (RAID) we find subclass-specific hallmark transcriptional profiles, surface protein expression and signaling pathway activation. Overall design: Isolated B-cells from three (anonymous healthy) donors were subjected to the differentiation protcol. Final samples was split into two: one for live immunostaining and a second for fixation and intracellular immunostaining.