Anti-B2M

Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is a component of MHC class I molecules,which are present on the surface of nearly all nucleated cells. It can be found in body fluids under physiologic conditions as a result of shedding from cell surfaces or intracellular release. B2M has various biological functions,including antigen presentation. Investigations reveal that increased synthesis and release of B2M are present in several malignant diseases. Protein function: Component of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Involved in the presentation of peptide antigens to the immune system. Exogenously applied M.tuberculosis EsxA or EsxA-EsxB (or EsxA expressed in host) binds B2M and decreases its export to the cell surface (total protein levels do not change), probably leading to defects in class I antigen presentation (PubMed:25356553). [The UniProt Consortium]