Association of a β2 microglobulin like subunit with H-2 and TL alloantigens on murine thymocytes

β2 Microglobulin is a carbohydrate free protein of humans which has a molecular weight of 11,700 daltons and considerable structural homology with IgG, particularly the C₁₁₁ domain. β2 Microglobulin is found in urine and on the surface of peripheral lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and platelets. 'Capping' studies have shown that a portion but not all of surface β2 microglobulin is associated noncovalently with HLA antigens on lymphocytes. It is reported that both H2 and TL alloantigens on the surface of mouse thymocytes are associated with a subunit which has a molecular weight similar to that of human β2 microglobulin.