beta 2 Microglobulin Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody

Function

β2 microglobulin also known as B2M is a component of MHC class I molecules, MHC class I molecules have α1, α2, and α3 proteins which are present on all nucleated cells (excludes red blood cells). In humans, the β2 microglobulin protein is encoded by the B2M gene. β2 microglobulin associates not only with the alpha chain of MHC class I molecules, but also with class I-like molecules such as CD1 (5 genes in humans), MR1, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), and Qa-1 (a form of alloantigen). Nevertheless, the β2 microglobulin gene is outside of the MHC (HLA) locus, on a different chromosome. An additional function is association with the HFE protein, together regulating the expression of hepcidin in the liver which targets the iron transporter ferroportin on the basolateral membrane of enterocytes and cell membrane of macrophages for degradation resulting in decreased iron uptake from food and decreased iron release from recycled red blood cells in the MPS (mononuclear phagocyte system) respectively. Loss of this function causes iron excess and hemochromatosis. In cytomegalovirus infection, a viral protein binds to β2 microglobulin, preventing assembly of MHC class I molecules and their transport to the plasma membrane.

Background References

1. Zhao Y et al. beta(2)-Microglobulin coaggregates with Abeta and contributes to amyloid pathology and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer\'s disease model mice. Nat Neurosci. 2023 Jul

2. Wang C et al. The immune-related role of beta-2-microglobulin in melanoma. Front Oncol. 2022 Aug

Sequence Similarity

Belongs to the beta-2-microglobulin family.

Post-translational Modification

Glycation of Ile-21 is observed in long-term hemodialysis patients.

Subcellular Location

Secreted.

UNIPROT

SwissProt: P61769 Human

Synonyms