Beta-2 microglobulin

Schematic representation of MHC class I

β₂ microglobulin lies beside the α₃ chain on the cell surface. Unlike α₃, β₂ has no transmembrane region. Directly above β₂ (that is, further away from the cell) lies the α₁ chain, which itself is next to the α₂.

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.[9]

In a cytomegalovirus infection, a viral protein binds to β₂ microglobulin, preventing assembly of MHC class I molecules and their transport to the plasma membrane.

Mice models deficient for the β₂ microglobulin gene have been engineered. These mice demonstrate that β₂ microglobulin is necessary for cell surface expression of MHC class I and stability of the peptide-binding groove. In fact, in the absence of β₂ microglobulin, very limited amounts of MHC class I (classical and non-classical) molecules can be detected on the surface (bare lymphocyte syndrome or BLS). In the absence of MHC class I, CD8⁺ T cells cannot develop. (CD8⁺ T cells are a subset of T cells involved in the development of acquired immunity.)

In patients on long-term hemodialysis, it can aggregate into amyloid fibers that deposit in joint spaces, a disease, known as dialysis-related amyloidosis.

Low levels of β₂ microglobulin can indicate non-progression of HIV.[10]

Levels of β₂ microglobulin can be elevated in multiple myeloma and lymphoma, though in these cases primary amyloidosis (amyloid light chain) and secondary amyloidosis (amyloid associated protein) are more common. The normal value of β₂ microglobulin is < 2 mg/L.[11] However, with respect to multiple myeloma, the levels of β₂ microglobulin may also be at the other end of the spectrum.[12] Diagnostic testing for multiple myeloma includes obtaining the β₂ microglobulin level, for this level is an important prognostic indicator. As of 2011, a patient with a level < 4 mg/L is expected to have a median survival of 43 months, while one with a level > 4 mg/L has a median survival of only 12 months.[13] β₂ microglobulin levels cannot, however, distinguish between monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which has a better prognosis, and smouldering (low grade) myeloma.[14][15]

Loss-of-function mutations in this gene have been reported in cancer patients unresponsive to immunotherapies.

β₂ microglobulin has been shown to be of high relevance for viral entry of Coxsackievirus A9 and Vaccinia virus (a Poxvirus).[16] For Coxsackievirus A9, it is likely that β₂ microglobulin is required for the transport to plasma membrane of the identified receptor, the Human Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn).[17] However, the specific function for Vaccinia virus has not yet been elucidated.

• beta+2-Microglobulin at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
• Human B2M genome location and B2M gene details page in the UCSC Genome Browser.
• Overview of all the structural information available in the PDB for UniProt: P61769 (Beta-2 microglobulin) at the PDBe-KB.