HLA-G and IL-10 in serum in relation to HLA-G genotype and polymorphisms

Immunogenetics. 2004 Jun;56(3):135-41. doi: 10.1007/s00251-004-0673-2. Epub 2004 May 7.

Abstract

The expression and importance of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class Ib gene, HLA-G, at the feto-maternal interface have been recognized. The HLA-G molecule is almost monomorphic and expressed in both membrane-bound and soluble isoforms. It has been shown to inhibit NK-mediated cell lysis and influence cytokine expression. Recently, a possible boarder immunoregulatory function of HLA-G also in adult life has been recognized. HLA-G gene polymorphism has been linked to differences in gene expression profile of alternatively spliced HLA-G transcripts and levels of specific HLA-G mRNA isoforms. On this background it is of general interest to further elucidate any associations between HLA-G polymorphism and protein expression. We have HLA-G genotyped 85 individuals attending IVF treatment, and further studied sHLA-G1/HLA-G5 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum samples. In 21% of the serum samples sHLA-G1/HLA-G5 could be detected. There was no correlation between sHLA-G1/HLA-G5 and IL-10 concentrations in serum. Soluble HLA-G1/HLA-G5 was not detected in any samples homozygous for a 14-bp insertion polymorphism in exon 8 of the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of the HLA-G gene ( P=0.03; Fisher's exact test). Polymorphisms in the 5'-upstream regulatory region (5'URR) of the HLA-G gene were also studied. In conclusion, this study indicates that polymorphisms in the 3'UTR and the 5'URR of the HLA-G gene may influence the expression of sHLA-G of possible importance in pathological pregnancies and also in organ transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • HLA Antigens / blood*
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / blood*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / blood*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid
  • Sequence Deletion

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Interleukin-10