Immune response light chains

The presence of oligoclonal free kappa and lambda chains in CSF is a sensitive indication for recent antigenic immune response within the central nervous system, comparable with IgM. The detection of oligoclonal free kappa chains in CSF supports the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In addition, free light chains can also be found in the CSF of patients having inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (LI). 

The transcription activator NF B regulates a variety of genes involved in the immune response and the inflamatory process. NF B is required for the expression of genes for the light x-chain of immimoglobulins, interleukin 2 and 6, as well as for interferon b (see chapter 11). 

NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells) is a protein complex that acts as a transcription factor. It is found in almost all animal cell types and is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, UV radiation, oxidised lipoproteins and bacterial or viral antigens. It plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection. Consistent with this role, incorrect regulation of NF-/cB has been linked to cancer, inflammatory and automunune disease, septic shock, viral infection and improper immune development. 

Because Ig is the primary effector for humoral immunity, this component of the immune system is associated with the activities of antigen-specific B cells. The steps involved in an acquired immune response by B cells and the regulation of B-cell activity are depicted in Figure 2 and described later. In this section, the emphasis will be on the specific contributions that Ig makes in the functioning of the immune system. The basic structure of the Ig or antibody molecule consists of four protein chains of two types - that is, two identical light chains and two... 

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