Immunoglobulin kappa variable 3D-7
1_MEPWK 6_ PQHSF 11_ FFLLL 16_ LWLPD 21_ TTGEI 26_ VMTQS 31_ PATLS 36_ LSPGE 41_ RATLS 46_ CRASQ 51_ SVSSS 56_ YLSWY 61_ QQKPG 66_ QAPRL 71_ LIYGA 76_ STRAT 81_ GIPAR 86_ FSGSG 91_ SGTDF 96_ TLTIS 101_ SLQPE 106_ DFAVY 111_YCQQD
1: V region of the variable domain of immunoglobulin light chains that participates in the antigen recognition (PubMed:24600447). Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are membrane-bound or secreted glycoproteins produced by B lymphocytes. In the recognition phase of humoral immunity, the membrane-bound immunoglobulins serve as receptors which, upon binding of a specific antigen, trigger the clonal expansion and differentiation of B lymphocytes into immunoglobulins-secreting plasma cells. Secreted immunoglobulins mediate the effector phase of humoral immunity, which results in the elimination of bound antigens (PubMed:20176268, PubMed:22158414). The antigen binding site is formed by the variable domain of one heavy chain, together with that of its associated light chain. Thus, each immunoglobulin has two antigen binding sites with remarkable affinity for a particular antigen. The variable domains are assembled by a process called V-(D)-J rearrangement and can then be subjected to somatic hypermutations which, after exposure to antigen and selection, allow affinity maturation for a particular antigen (PubMed:17576170, PubMed:20176268)