What is microglobulin beta-2?
Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) is a naturally occurring protein in the human body. It is one of the two polypeptide chains that form the structure of the main molecule of class and histocompatibility (MHC). Certain characteristics of B2M are suitable for detection of tumor cells, especially in blood and kidney cells. B2M is also used to evaluate kidney function after kidney transplantation and as a prognostic tool for disease related to the immune system.
This large protein belongs to the class of histocompatible molecules, which are glycoproteins expressed on the surface of nucleat white blood cells in vertebrates. Class I MOC molecules, such as B2M, are useful for detecting incompatible or genetically different cells in the body. Some key characteristics of microglobulin beta-2 are that it has no transmembrane area, associates with alpha chain of MHC class molecules I with non-nave bonds, and associates with the protein of human hemochromatosis (HFE). No RMAL beta-2 microglobulinU ranges from 1 to 2.1 micrograms per milliliter (µg/ml); The upper normal range values are 2.0 to 2.5 µg/ml.
TheMHC I MOC I consists of two polypeptide chains, a long alpha chain to the left and a shorter chain on the right side, which is microglobulin beta-2. Molecules of histocompatibility are also referred to as antigens because of their ability to induce the response of the immune system. In principle, in order for tissue transplantation to be successful, MHC tissue cells must be compatible between the donor and the recipient. In addition, if an unhealthy cell containing foreign material from disease, virus or bacteria is detected, the MHC class molecules will be described as a signal for the immune system to attack cells containing foreign proteins. In clinical trials, the level of microglobulin production of beta-2 is directly associated with the activity of Lymphocytůation, the response of the immune system of the signature.
Moleculesb2m were focused on lCancer and immune system disorders in which T-cells are involved. Clinical studies in mice with B2M deficiency have shown an important role in Beta-2 microglobulin in cellular expression of MHC IC molecules and peptide bindings. Without binding of peptide and subsequent protein synthesis, the production of certain cells related to the immune system, including T-cells, stops when B2M is missing. Immunological tests have been developed using B2M as a tumor marker.
A physician or oncologist can perform a B2M test to get a general idea of how much cancer may be present in the patient. Increased B2M levels can indicate multiple myeloma, lymphoma or leukemia. Blood and urine tests for microglobulin beta-2 were used for patients with kidney disease after kidney transplantation. B2M can distinguish between glomular and tubular kidney disorders. In rare cases, B2 -to -end tests are used to evaluate the effects of the disease on the central nervous system.