Multimeric structures of HLA-G isoforms function through differential binding to LILRB receptors

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2012 Dec;69(23):4041-9. doi: 10.1007/s00018-012-1069-3. Epub 2012 Jul 17.

Abstract

The non-classical Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) differs from classical HLA class I molecules by its low genetic diversity, a tissue-restricted expression, the existence of seven isoforms, and immuno-inhibitory functions. Most of the known functions of HLA-G concern the membrane-bound HLA-G1 and soluble HLA-G5 isoforms, which present the typical structure of classical HLA class I molecule: a heavy chain of three globular domains α1-α2-α3 non-covalently bound to β-2-microglobulin (B2M) and a peptide. Very little is known of the structural features and functions of other HLA-G isoforms or structural conformations other than B2M-associated HLA-G1 and HLA-G5. In the present work, we studied the capability of all isoforms to form homomultimers, and investigated whether they could bind to, and function through, the known HLA-G receptors LILRB1 and LILRB2. We report that all HLA-G isoforms may form homodimers, demonstrating for the first time the existence of HLA-G4 dimers. We also report that the HLA-G α1-α3 structure, which constitutes the extracellular part of HLA-G2 and HLA-G6, binds the LILRB2 receptor but not LILRB1. This is the first report of a receptor for a truncated HLA-G isoform. Following up on this finding, we show that the α1-α3-Fc structure coated on agarose beads is tolerogenic and capable of prolonging the survival of skin allografts in B6-mice and in a LILRB2-transgenic mouse model. This study is the first proof of concept that truncated HLA-G isoforms could be used as therapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / genetics
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism*
  • Binding, Competitive
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Graft Survival
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HLA-G Antigens / chemistry
  • HLA-G Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-G Antigens / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptor B1
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms / chemistry
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • LILRB1 protein, human
  • LILRB2 protein, human
  • Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptor B1
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • beta 2-Microglobulin