Reference Values for Immunoglobulin Kappa and Lambda Light Chains and the Kappa/Lambda Ratio in Children's Serum

Abstract

We analyzed 708 serum samples from healthy children and adolescents by immunonephelometry to obtain reference values for the immunoglobulin kappa (kappa) and lambda (lambda) light chains and for their ratio at a time of life when immunoglobulin synthesis is maturing and continually being stimulated. The lambda chain concentration that is to be maintained throughout the child's life is reached very early, just after 1 year, whereas the concentration of the kappa chains, which increases gradually, reflects the concentration of the immunoglobulins as a whole. These reference values may be useful for studying kappa and lambda chains in illnesses involving the immune system in children.

KSHV induces immunoglobulin rearrangements in mature B lymphocytes

“…This phenomenon, termed B cell receptor (BCR) editing begins with rearrangements of the immunoglobulin κ (Igκ) locus, and rearrangements in the immunoglobulin λ (Igλ) locus occur only when Igκ rearrangements fail to produce a functional, non-autoreactive BCR. As such, in the human peripheral B cell repertoire Igκ-expressing B lymphocytes outnumber their Igλ counterparts, and the Igκ/Igλ ratio increases as a function of age[ 11 ]. Interestingly, restriction of KSHV infection to Igλ positive B lymphocytes is a long-recognized feature of MCD in vivo [ 12 , 13 ] and, although PEL are generally immunoglobulin negative those that express surface immunoglobulins are frequently Igλ [ 14 ].…”

A Human Immunoglobulin λ Locus Is Similarly Well Expressed in Mice and Humans

“…The ratio of λ to κ L chain expression varies considerably between different species ( 1 – 3 , 43 , 44 ), and in mice the low λ L chain levels are believed to be a result of inefficient activation of the mouse λ locus during B cell differentiation (for review see reference 6 ). The Igλ (∼40%) to Igκ (∼60%) ratio in humans is more balanced and suggests that both λ and κ play an equally important role in immune responses.…”