Biological implications of HLA-DR expression in tumours.
HLA-DR antigens show restricted tissue distribution in comparison with the more extensive expression of HLA class I molecules. This constitutive expression is genetically controlled by well-defined mechanisms. In addition, DR antigen expression can be induced by a variety of cytokines through different molecular genetic events that convert DR-negative epithelia into positive cells. In this review we analyse the two major pathological situations in which abnormal DR expression occurs: autoimmune diseases and tumour development. We hypothesize that conversion to DR-positivity may produce two opposite effects in both clinical situations: (1) a useful one in tumours associated with a good prognosis; and (2) a harmful one in autoimmune diseases with increased tissue damage.
Cabrera
T
T
Departamento de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunologia, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.
Ruiz-Cabello
F
F
Garrido
F
F
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens