<P> Ig light chains produced in neoplastic plasma cells, such as in multiple myeloma, are called Bence Jones proteins . </P> <P> Increased levels of free Ig light chains have also been detected in various inflammatory diseases . It is important to note that, in contrast to increased levels in lymphoma patients, these Ig light chains are polyclonal . Recent studies have shown that these Ig light chains can bind to mast cells and, using their ability to bind antigen, facilitate activation of these mast cells (Redegeld (2002)). Activation of mast cells results in the release of various pro-inflammatory mediators which are believed to contribute to the development of the inflammatory disease . Recent studies have shown that Ig light chains not only activate mast cells but also dorsal root ganglia (Rijnierse, 2009) and neutrophils (Braber and Thio (2012)), expanding their possible role as mediators in inflammatory disease . </P>

The light and heavy chains of an igg molecule are connected to each other by