Tolerance versus immune response -- microRNAs as important elements in the regulation of the HLA-G gene expression

Transpl Immunol. 2009 Mar;20(4):229-31. doi: 10.1016/j.trim.2008.11.001. Epub 2008 Nov 25.

Abstract

HLA-G is a class Ib HLA which has gained much attention due to its multiple functions on the immune system. HLA-G exerts several immunomodulatory effects, being beneficially implicated in embryo implantation and fetal survival but, conversely, being potentially detrimental in tumors and viral infections. Such a two-edged sword behavior suggest that HLA-G expression is under tight regulation. However, to date, little is known about the regulation of this gene and previous works have been unable to well correlate HLA-G regulation at the mRNA level with the polymorphic variants at the genomic level. Here we present the hypothesis that an element, which was until now neglected, might play a role in HLA-G expression regulation: MicroRNAs might participate in the regulation of the HLA-G gene expression through a putative microRNA binding site at its 3' UTR region. Inside the 20 nt region of this microRNA binding site lies a C/G polymorphism, which was shown to be responsible for differential microRNA binding affinity and translation suppression. The role of microRNA binding on the regulation of HLA-G gene expression (and therefore on tolerance versus immune response) can be easily tested through relatively simple steps: Confirming the expression of those three complementary microRNAs in human cells which express HLA-G, followed by examination of the correlation between HLA-G mRNA and protein production controlling for HLA-G genotypes and microRNA levels; finally, selective inhibition of microRNA activity with anti-sense oligos restoring HLA-G production would access microRNA influence on HLA-G expression which, if confirmed, might help in the development of strategies to the management of several conditions in which HLA-G is involved, including pregnancy complications, transplantation, and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • 3' Untranslated Regions / immunology
  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / immunology
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA Antigens / metabolism
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / genetics*
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Immunity / genetics*
  • Immunity / immunology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / immunology*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / genetics
  • Pregnancy Complications / immunology
  • Transplantation Immunology

Substances

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