Mouse B2m Knockout Cell Line - NIH/3T3

Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is an important component of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, which are present in almost all nucleated cells. The B2M protein is encoded by the B2M gene located on chromosome 15 in humans. The main function of B2M is to participate in the presentation of endogenous antigens to T cells, especially CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. This process is essential for the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cells infected by viruses and other pathogens, as well as to detect and destroy cancer cells. In addition to its role in immune surveillance, B2M is associated with other molecules such as CD1, MR1, and the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), each of which plays a role in immune responses and cellular interactions. Elevated levels of B2M may indicate the presence of chronic inflammation, certain infections, and a range of malignancies, including multiple myeloma and certain types of lymphoma. In patients receiving long-term hemodialysis, B2M can aggregate into amyloid fibrils, resulting in dialysis-associated amyloidosis, which is characterized by deposits in joint spaces and other tissues. Some viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), produce proteins that bind to B2M, preventing the assembly and trafficking of MHC class I molecules to the cell surface. This evasion strategy allows these viruses to avoid detection by the immune system and highlights the important role of B2M in viral immune evasion mechanisms.