Lambda 5 (also called immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide 1 or CD179b antigen) and VpreB comprise the surrogate light chain of the pre-B cell receptor complex. SL chain is also part of a quality control mechanism that tests a micro-chain for its ability to pair with conventional L chains. It can form Ig-like complexes with the heavy (H) chain, the DHJHC micro-protein or the p55 chain. Production of the surrogate light chain begins at the stage of pro-B cells, continues during the pre-B cell stage and halts at the immature B cell stage. Once pre-BCR is expressed, SL chain expression is turned off. As pre-B II cells proliferate, SL is diluted out, thus limiting pre-BCR formation. Lambda 5, a 22 kDa protein, is critical for B cell development in mammals. Expression of Lambda 5 is highest in liver, pre-B lymphocytes and bone marrow, the major source of B cell precursors.