Beyond the increasing complexity of the immunomodulatory HLA-G molecule

Blood. 2008 May 15;111(10):4862-70. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-12-127662. Epub 2008 Mar 11.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a nonclassic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule that functions as an immunomodulatory molecule capable of protecting fetal tissues from the maternal immune system. The relevance of HLA-G in other contexts was investigated soon afterward. Numerous studies have sought (and some have shown) the relevance of HLA-G in pathologic conditions, such as transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer and hematologic malignancies. One of the main goals of the current research on HLA-G is now to use it in the clinic, either for diagnosis or as a therapeutic tool/target. For this, precise knowledge on the nature and functions of HLA-G is critical. We highlight here what we consider are recent key basic findings on the immunomodulatory function of HLA-G. These strengthen the case for considering HLA-G as clinically relevant.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / chemistry
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA Antigens / therapeutic use
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / chemistry
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immune System / cytology
  • Immunologic Factors*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Immunologic

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Receptors, Immunologic