Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (PPBL) is a rare benign disease with chronic lymphocytosis of polyclonal origin, first described in 1982, which occurs more frequently in middle-aged female smokers. These are mostly mild lymphocytosis and are mostly symptom-free or show unspecific symptoms such as fatigue.

Are B cells polyclonal?

Polyclonal B cell response is a natural mode of immune response exhibited by the adaptive immune system of mammals. It ensures that a single antigen is recognized and attacked through its overlapping parts, called epitopes, by multiple clones of B cell.

What is polyclonal B cell population?

Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (PPBL) is a rare disorder, which mostly affects middle-aged women and is associated with smoking. It is characterized by the persistent expansion of CD27+IgM+IgD+ B cells, the presence of circulating binucleated lymphocytes and increased IgM serum levels.