Lambda Light Chain [MD138R]

Each immunoglobulin molecule consists of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. There are two types of light chains designated as kappa and lambda. The gene rearrangement process that generates the immunoglobulin molecule results in either a productive kappa or lambda gene. The lambda light chain antibody labels the lambda light chain that expresses normal and neoplastic B lymphocytes and plasma cells. Other cells may also express lambda light chain due to nonspecific uptake of immunoglobulin. Individual B cells express either kappa or lambda light chains. Monoclonality is generally assumed to be evidence of a malignant proliferation. The pairing of a kappa with a lambda light chain antibody is useful for identifying monoclonality of lymphoid malignancies.