HLA-G in the human placenta: expression and potential functions.
HLA-G is a non-classical class I molecule specifically expressed in the placenta, suggesting that it might have a physiological function at the materno-foetal interface. The structural characteristics of HLA-G, the placental pattern of expression and the functional properties of this class Ib glycoprotein in vitro are described and evaluated in the context of pregnancy. The possible anti-viral function of HLA-G, its modulatory role of natural killer cell activity and its likely non-immunological functions are discussed.
Le Bouteiller
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INSERM U 395, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France.
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000378:metabolism
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I