Beta-2 microglobulin
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β2 microglobulin is a component of MHC class I molecules, which are present on almost all cells of the body (red blood cells are a notable exception). β2 microglobulin lies lateral to the α3 chain on the cell surface. Unlike α3, β2 has no transmembrane region. Directly above β2 (i.e. away from the cell) lies the α1 chain, which itself is lateral to the α2.
In patients on long-term hemodialysis, it can aggregate into amyloid fibers that deposit in joint spaces, a disease known as dialysis-related amyloidosis.
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