Light chains are protein components that help make up antibodies in your body. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight infections. Each antibody contains two main parts:
• Heavy chains
• Light chains
In normal function, light chains attach to heavy chains to form complete antibodies. In AL amyloidosis Show Full Answer
Light chains are protein components that help make up antibodies in your body. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight infections. Each antibody contains two main parts:
• Heavy chains
• Light chains
In normal function, light chains attach to heavy chains to form complete antibodies. In AL amyloidosis, the body produces abnormal light chains that become misshapen or "misfolded." These misfolded light chains then clump together, forming deposits called amyloid fibrils. When these fibrils build up in organs and tissues, they can interfere with normal organ function and potentially cause serious damage.
Doctors can measure light chains in your blood through tests like the serum-free light chain assay, which helps diagnose and monitor AL amyloidosis over time.
August 24, 2025
Join
Your Privacy Choices
