Beyond the increasing complexity of the immunomodulatory HLA-G molecule.
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a nonclassic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule that functions as an immunomodulatory molecule capable of protecting fetal tissues from the maternal immune system. The relevance of HLA-G in other contexts was investigated soon afterward. Numerous studies have sought (and some have shown) the relevance of HLA-G in pathologic conditions, such as transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer and hematologic malignancies. One of the main goals of the current research on HLA-G is now to use it in the clinic, either for diagnosis or as a therapeutic tool/target. For this, precise knowledge on the nature and functions of HLA-G is critical. We highlight here what we consider are recent key basic findings on the immunomodulatory function of HLA-G. These strengthen the case for considering HLA-G as clinically relevant.
Carosella
Edgardo D
ED
CEA, IBM, Service de Recherches en Hemato-Immunologie, Paris, France.
Favier
Benoit
B
Rouas-Freiss
Nathalie
N
Moreau
Philippe
P
Lemaoult
Joel
J
D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic