Premium
β 2 ‐Microglobulin: Structure, Function and Significance
Author(s) -
Bernier George M.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/j.1423-0410.1980.tb04500.x
Subject(s) - beta 2 microglobulin , homology (biology) , kidney , sequence homology , antibody , immune system , regulator , cell , biology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , peptide sequence , biochemistry , endocrinology , amino acid , gene
Abstract. β 2 ‐Microglobulin is a low molecular weight protein with sequence homology to immunoglobulins. As a portion of the HLA complex this protein is an important cell‐surface structure. Under normal conditions β 2 ‐microglobulin is synthesized and shed by many cells, particularly lymphocytes, and is detectable in the circulation of normal individuals. Because of its small size it is normally filtered readily at the glomerulus and is catabolized by proximal tubular cells of the kidney. Impaired renal function and hyperproduction of β 2 ‐microglobulin are both associated with increased serum levels. A function for β 2 ‐microglobulin as a modulator of lymphocyte surface and as a potential regulator of the immune system is proposed.