Synonyms: The basic structure of the immunoglobulin molecules consists of two identical heavy chains γ, μ, α, δ, e) and two identical light chains (κ or λ). Any heavy chain can be combined with light chain, but both light chains are of the same type on the immunoglobulin molecule. The ratio of κ light chain and λ light chain between lg and subclass is different. In polyclonal populations, the ratio of κ or λ in B cells is about 2:1, and for single B cell will express κ or λ light chain, never both. Most of the k and λ chains bind to heavy chain immunoglobulins, but in normal individuals, low levels of free light chains are present in the serum. The presence of cells with mixed expression of κ and λ chains indicates the presence of polyclonal populations and B cells reactive or non-neoplastic proliferation.
Image / Experimental Information
| Image 1 Description | Immunochemical staining of human Lambda Light Chain/λ Chain in Human tonsil with mouse monoclonal antibody at 150 μL work solution, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded sections. Cellular localization: Cytoplasm |
| Image 1 URL | Source image |