β-2-Microglobulin is a serum protein th at forms a non-covalent association with the heavy chain of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, which is involved in the presentation of peptide antigens to the immune system. Defects in this gene can cause hypercatabolic hypoproteinemia. Amyloidosis is caused upon polymerization of intact β 2-microglobulin in patients on chronic hemodialysis.
