Indicator Explainer
Beta-2-Microglobulin
Beta-2-microglobulin protein (119 aa, ~14 kDa) is encoded by the human B2M gene. This protein plays a role in immune responses and is a key component of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The protein is localized to the surface of cells and is utilized as a prognostic marker in persons with cancers that involve white blood cells. The polypeptide is also used as a marker in kidney damage diagnosis and in the detection of viral infection.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C62657. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Beta-2-Microglobulin (C62657)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C62657. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Elevation of Beta-2 Microglobulin during Prion Infection is Closely Correlated with PrPSc Accumulation and is Independent of MHC-I. — ACS Chem Neurosci, 2026-08-01 (PMID 42439387; literature)
- Beta-2-microglobulin augments neutrophil phagocytosis of bacteria and apoptotic cells. — Immunol Lett, 2026-07-17 (PMID 42468854; literature)
- Serum beta-2 microglobulin as a diagnostic biomarker for pediatric Epstein-Barr virus infections: a retrospective study. — Front Pediatr, 2026-06-30 (PMID 42453379; literature)
- Prognostic Significance of Isolated Beta 2-Microglobulin Elevation in Thai Multiple Myeloma: Impact of Renal Function Assessment. — J Hematol, 2026-06-20 (PMID 42490832; literature)
