title: HLA-G protein processing and transport to the cell surface.
abstract: Data are presented on the intracellular trafficking of HLA-G protein, taking the unique features of this non-classical molecule into consideration: the existence of seven isoforms resulting from alternative splicing (HLA-G1 to G7), and reduced tail length compared with HLA class I antigens. Biochemical studies and analysis of viral strategies for escaping the host immune system led to the demonstration that (i) both the membrane-bound (HLA-G1) and the soluble (HLA-G5) forms of the molecule require peptide association for cell surface expression, using TAP-dependent or TAP-independent pathways; (ii) peptide loading onto the HLA-G protein plays a critical role in controlling the quality of the molecule reaching the cell surface; (iii) surface expression of truncated HLA-G molecules is possible, and (iv) HLA-G expression may be restricted to soluble HLA-G5. These data reveal that HLA-G presents specific cell trafficking pathways and strongly support the contention that the primary function of HLA-G is as of an inhibitor ligand for immune-competent cells.
authors.affiliation: CEA, Service de Recherche en Hémato-Immunologie, Hĵpital Saint-Louis, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Paris, France. moreau@dsvidf.cea.fr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moreau
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rousseau
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rouas-Freiss
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Le Discorde
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dausset
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Carosella
mesh_terms: D000071181:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000071181:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D020033:Protein Isoforms; C073119:TAP1 protein, human