Beta-2 Microglobulin Antibody / HLA Class I Light Chain Antibody [clone B2M/961] (V2804)

Description

Beta-2 Microglobulin Antibody / HLA Class I Light Chain Antibody detects beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), the invariant light-chain component associated with major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. B2M associates noncovalently with HLA class I heavy chains and contributes to the stable assembly and cell-surface expression of these complexes. Through its essential role in MHC class I structure, beta-2 microglobulin participates in antigen presentation, immune recognition and surveillance of nucleated cells.

HLA class I complexes present intracellularly derived peptide antigens to CD8-positive T cells. Stable assembly requires association of an HLA class I heavy chain with beta-2 microglobulin and a bound peptide. Although B2M itself does not span the plasma membrane, its association with the heavy chain supports proper folding, trafficking and expression of the complex at the cell surface. Changes affecting B2M expression can therefore influence HLA class I-mediated antigen presentation and cellular recognition by the adaptive immune system.

Beta-2 microglobulin is particularly relevant to cancer immunology because alterations in B2M can affect recognition of tumor cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Loss or reduced expression of B2M can disrupt surface MHC class I expression and provide a mechanism of tumor immune escape. Conversely, detection of B2M can be used to investigate HLA class I expression and antigen-presentation machinery in tumor cells and tissues. These relationships make B2M important to research involving tumor immune surveillance and mechanisms affecting response or resistance to cancer immunotherapy.

B2M also exists as a soluble protein following release from cell surfaces and is studied in hematologic malignancies, renal biology and disorders associated with altered immune-cell turnover. Elevated circulating beta-2 microglobulin has been investigated extensively in multiple myeloma and lymphoid malignancies, while urinary B2M is studied in relation to renal tubular function. Beta-2 microglobulin therefore connects fundamental HLA class I biology with a broad range of immunology, oncology and disease research.

Clone B2M/961 is the original mouse monoclonal antibody generated against full-length recombinant human beta-2 microglobulin. It has been evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in human samples, with extensive IHC testing across multiple human carcinoma tissues. NSJ Bioreagents supplies antibodies for immunology, antigen presentation and cancer research. A Beta-2 Microglobulin Antibody can be used to investigate HLA class I expression, antigen presentation, immune surveillance and mechanisms affecting tumor immune recognition.

For a sequenced and recombinantly expressed version of clone B2M/961 with protein microarray validation, see our Beta-2 Microglobulin Antibody / MHC Class I Component Antibody page.

Application Notes

Optimal dilution of the Beta-2 Microglobulin Antibody / HLA Class I Light Chain Antibody should be determined by the researcher.

1. Staining of formalin/paraffin tissues requires boiling tissue sections in pH 9 10mM Tris with 1mM EDTA for 10-20 min followed by cooling at RT for 20 min.
2. The prediluted format is supplied in a dropper bottle and is optimized for use in IHC. After epitope retrieval step (if required), drip mAb solution onto the tissue section and incubate at RT for 30 min.

Immunogen

Full length recombinant human protein was used as the immunogen for the Beta-2 Microglobulin antibody.

Storage

Store the Beta-2 Microglobulin antibody at 2-8oC (with azide) or aliquot and store at -20oC or colder (without azide).

Alternate Names

Beta-2 Microglobulin antibody, HLA Class I Light Chain antibody, B2M antibody, Beta-2-Microglobulin antibody, MHC Class I Light Chain antibody