Invitrogen™ Human beta-2 Microglobulin (B2M) ELISA Kit 

Description

The Human Beta 2-Microglobulin (Hu B2M) ELISA quantitates Hu B2M in human serum, plasma, or cell culture medium. The assay will exclusively recognize both natural and recombinant Hu B2M. Principle of the method The Human B2M solid-phase sandwich ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is designed to measure the amount of the target bound between a matched antibody pair. A target-specific antibody has been pre-coated in the wells of the supplied microplate. Samples, standards, or controls are then added into these wells and bind to the immobilized (capture) antibody. The sandwich is formed by the addition of the second (detector) antibody, a substrate solution is added that reacts with the enzyme-antibody-target complex to produce measurable signal. The intensity of this signal is directly proportional to the concentration of target present in the original specimen. Rigorous validation Each manufactured lot of this ELISA kit is quality tested for criteria such as sensitivity, specificity, precision, and lot-to-lot consistency. See manual for more information on validation.

Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is a 12-14 kDa protein that is a subunit of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. Human beta 2 Microglobulin associated with HLA Class I antigens are expressed on many types of cells including lymphocytes, thymocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, platelets, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells, but is absent on erythrocytes. Beta-2 microglobulin is also found in free form in the plasma. The amino acid sequence of Beta-2-microglobulin is homologous to the constant regions of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, with a predominantly beta pleated sheet structure. The protein is ubiquitously expressed in the cytoplasm, and is involved in antigen processing and presentation. Beta-2-microglobulin also plays a role in TCR signaling, and downstream signaling in naive CD8+ cells. Beta 2-microglobulin is encoded by the B2M gene located on chromosome 15. A mutation in the Beta-2-microglobulin gene has been shown to result in hypercatabolic hypoproteinemia. Levels of beta 2 microglobulin can be used to assess renal function in kidney transplant recipients. Beta-2-microglobulin that protein can be used as a prognostic marker for HIV infection.