beta 2-Microglobulin and its relationship to the immune system

beta 2-Microglobulin has been isolated from several species, but only bovine beta 2-microglobulin, previously known as lactollin, has been crystallized. An improved method for its isolation from colostrum is described. The bovine homologue exhibits a concentration-dependent aggregation behavior. bet...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of dairy science 1982-02, Vol.65 (2), p.317-325
Main Authors: Groves, M L, Greenberg, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino Acid Sequence
Animals
beta 2-Microglobulin - analysis
beta 2-Microglobulin - biosynthesis
beta 2-Microglobulin - immunology
Beta-Globulins - immunology
Cattle
Colostrum - immunology
Histocompatibility Antigens - analysis
HLA Antigens - analysis
Humans
Milk - immunology
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Summary:beta 2-Microglobulin has been isolated from several species, but only bovine beta 2-microglobulin, previously known as lactollin, has been crystallized. An improved method for its isolation from colostrum is described. The bovine homologue exhibits a concentration-dependent aggregation behavior. beta 2-Microglobulin is related to both immune and histocompatibility antigen systems. It exhibits homology with the constant domains of the immunoglobulin-G light and heavy chains and is an integral part of histocompatibility antigens bound to cell surface. beta 2-Microglobulin also occurs in the free state in various body fluids including milk and colostrum. The possible relationship of elevated free beta 2-microglobulin of pathological conditions is suggested for future research.
ISSN:0022-0302
DOI:10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(82)82193-0