title: Biology and functions of human leukocyte antigen-G in health and sickness.
abstract: In 1998, the first International Conference on human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) was held in Paris. At that time, HLA-G was still a new HLA class I molecule, few aspects of its immunological functions were known, and its expression by tumors was just being described. In 1998, tools to properly study HLA-G were lacking, especially monoclonal antibodies, and three conclusions were drawn after the congress: (i) animal models were needed, (ii) the biology of HLA-G isoforms had to be confirmed, and (iii) HLA-G expression by tumors required clarification. Five years later, these three issues have been addressed. HLA-G is now gaining pace and is investigated for its immuno-inhibitory functions in the context of multiple pathologies. Eighty five oral presentations were given this year for more than 200 investigators working on HLA-G by speakers from over 20 countries. The success of the 3rd International Conference on HLA-G reflects the interest and tremendous work of the many research teams which, over the years, contributed to the publication of more than 500 peer-review articles. We summarize the key points that were presented and discussed during this meeting.
authors.affiliation: Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Service de Recherches en Hémato-Immunologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: LeMaoult
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Le Discorde
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rouas-Freiss
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moreau
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Menier
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCluskey
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Carosella
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D020805:Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I