Modulation of HLA-G and HLA-E expression in human neuronal cells after rabies virus or herpes virus simplex type 1 infections

Hum Immunol. 2007 Apr;68(4):294-302. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2006.12.003. Epub 2006 Dec 28.

Abstract

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G and E are nonclassical human MHC class I molecules. They may promote tolerance leading to virus and tumor immune escape. We recently described that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a neurotropic virus inducing chronic infection and neuron latency, and rabies virus (RABV), a neuronotropic virus triggering acute neuron infection, up-regulate HLA-G expression in human neurons (NT2-N). Surface expression was only detected after RABV infection. We investigated here whether RABV and HSV-1 up-regulate HLA-E expression in human neuronal precursors (Ntera-2D/1). We found that RABV, not HSV-1, up-regulates HLA-E expression, nevertheless HLA-E could not be detected on the surface of RABV-infected Ntera-2D/1. Altogether these data suggest that HLA-G and not HLA-E could contribute to the immune escape of RABV. In contrast, there was no evidence that these molecules are used by latent HSV-1 infection. Thus, neurotropic viruses that escape the host immune response totally (RABV) or partially (HSV-1) regulate HLA-G expression on human neuronal cells differentially.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / immunology
  • HLA Antigens / biosynthesis
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-E Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / biosynthesis
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Neurons / immunology*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / virology
  • Rabies virus / immunology*
  • Up-Regulation / immunology

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I