Expression of class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and beta2-microglobulin is associated with decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules play a central role in the immune system through either presentation of endogenous antigen and activation of T lymphocytes or functional emergence of natural killer (NK) cells. Various types of immune cells are present in the human endometrium and are believed to be involved in reproductive function and/or immunological reaction. However, little is known about the expression status and function of HLA class I molecules in the human endometrium. We therefore examined mRNA expression of HLA class I. In addition, we analysed gene expression and localization of beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), which is the non-variant chain of all HLA class I molecules. Compared with non-decidualized tissues, mRNA expression of both HLA class I and beta2-MG was significantly higher in decidualized endometria in the late secretory phase, under progestin treatment and during early pregnancy. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that beta2-MG was localized in decidualized endometrial stromal cells, indicating that the distribution of beta2-MG is topologically correlated with that of CD56bright+ NK cells. In-vitro culture of human endometrial stromal cells demonstrated that HLA class I mRNA was induced during the decidualization by progesterone. Accordingly, the expression of HLA class I molecules is transcriptionally activated along with decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells, and may represent an immuno-endocrine function of the endometrium.
Komatsu
T
T
Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
Konishi
I
I
Mandai
M
M
Mori
T
T
Hiai
H
H
Fukumoto
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D011374:Progesterone