Biologically Active Substance
beta 2-microglobulin
Subclass of:
Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; beta Globulin
Definitions related to beta-2 microglobulin:
  • (beta 2-microglobulin) An 11-kDa protein associated with the outer membrane of many cells including LYMPHOCYTES. It is the small subunit of MHC CLASS I MOLECULES. Association with beta 2-microglobulin is generally required for the transport of class I heavy chains from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. Beta 2-microglobulin is present in small amounts in serum, CEREBROSPINAL FLUID, and urine of healthy individuals, and to a much greater degree in the urine and plasma of patients with tubular PROTEINURIA, renal failure, or kidney transplants.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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