The microRNA processing subunit DGCR8 is required for a T cell-dependent germinal center response.

We have previously shown that the microRNA (miRNA) processor complex consisting of the RNAse Drosha and the DiGeorge Critical Region (DGCR) 8 protein is essential for B cell maturation. To determine whether miRNA processing is required to initiate T cell-mediated antibody responses, we deleted DGCR8 in maturing B2 cells by crossing a mouse with loxP-flanked DGCR8 alleles with a CD23-Cre mouse. As expected, non-immunized mice showed reduced numbers of mature B2 cells and IgG-secreting cells and diminished serum IgG titers.

miR-148a controls metabolic programming and survival of mature CD19-negative plasma cells in mice.

Long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells are essential to establish humoral memory against pathogens. While a regulatory transcription factor network has been established in plasma cell differentiation, the regulatory role of miRNAs remains enigmatic. We have recently identified miR-148a as the most abundant miRNA in primary mouse and human plasma cells.

miRNA meets plasma cells "How tiny RNAs control antibody responses".

We review the importance of small non-coding microRNAs for the generation of germinal center B cells and their differentiation in antibody-secreting plasma cells. In the last part, we briefly elucidate the role of microRNAs in some plasma cell disorders.

A new staining protocol for detection of murine antibody-secreting plasma cell subsets by flow cytometry.

We provide a robust four-color fluorescence-based flow cytometry protocol that distinguishes viable dividing plasmablasts from nondividing plasma cells and, based on CD19 surface abundance, identifies two mature plasma cell populations in the spleen and the bone marrow of mice.