What is AL (light chain) amyloidosis?

What is AL (light chain) amyloidosis?

Light chains are pieces of antibodies made by white blood cells, specifically plasma cells, in the bone marrow. In AL amyloidosis, a group of plasma cells make too many light chains, which misfold and bind together to form amyloid fibrils. The fibrils are then deposited in organs. The most common organs affected are the heart and kidneys. Light chain amyloidosis can also affect the stomach, large intestine, liver, nerves, skin and can cause an enlarged tongue. The condition can cause problems with one or more parts of the body.