title: [Beta2-microglobulin: structure and function of an immunoglobulin-homologue (author's transl)].
abstract: The low molecular weight protein beta2-microglobulin can be isolated from urine and other biological fluids. There is structural homology of beta2-microglobulin with the immunoglobulins, in particular to the CH3 domaine of the IgG molecule. Beta2-microglobulin can be detected on the cell membrane of most cell types and is associated with the histocompatibility antigens in a non-covalent binding. The immunological function of beta2-microglobulin is unclear. Antibody against beta2-microglobulin inhibits the mitogen- and antigen induced lymphocyte proliferation as well as responder and stimulator cell function in the mixed lymphocyte culture. The lack of structural polymorphism of beta2-microglobulin argues against a direct receptor function. It is more likely that beta2-microglobulin exerts a receptor-coordinating effect on the various receptor systems.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000032:analysis; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000032:analysis; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000032:analysis; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000652:urine; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D006680:HLA Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin
vernacular_title: Beta2-Mikroglobulin: Struktur und Funktion eines Immunoglobulin-Homologs