Immunoglobulin kappa variable 4-1 (IGKV4-1)

V segment of the variable domain of immunoglobulins light chain that participates to 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 function as receptors which, upon binding of a specific antigen, activate the clonal expansion and differentiation of B lymphocytes to immunoglobulins-secreting plasma cells. Secreted immunoglobulins mediate the effector stage of humoral immunity, which causes the elimination of bound antigens (PubMed:22158414, PubMed:20176268).