Heme enhances B-cell proliferation and plasma cell formation through reduced p21 and Rb expression

Antibodies are secreted by specialized antibody-secreting cells, also known as plasma cells (PCs), which differentiate from antigen-activated B cells. Antibodies are critical for protection against many types of infection and are correlates of vaccine efficacy. Iron metabolism is important for antibody responses, and heme (the major source of Fe2+) augments PC formation. However, the full spectrum of heme-molecular interactions and effects during B-cell differentiation are not fully understood.