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.
Entry Term(s)
Thymotaxin
NLM Classification #
WH 400
Previous Indexing
Beta Globulins (1973-1974)
Public MeSH Note
1991; see BETA 2 MICROGLOBULIN 1984-1990; BETA 2-MICROGLOBULIN was indexed under BETA GLOBULINS 1975-1983
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.
