Interaction between HLA-G and monocyte/macrophages in human pregnancy.
Several lines of evidence suggest that the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G play a key role in the regulation of human pregnancy. A sub-population of cells highly represented at the decidua belong to the myeloid-derived monocyte/macrophage lineage, which potentially interact with HLA-G expressing cells. It is proposed that HLA-G protects decidual trophoblasts from lysis by blocking the effector function of decidual monocyte/macrophages. The interaction between HLA-G and monocyte/macrophages may therefore contribute to a successful pregnancy. Here we examine existing knowledge on the convergent role of HLA-G and monocyte/macrophages in pregnancy and define the synergy that exists between these two elements in the decidua. Key features of the HLA-G gene product are discussed followed by the main characteristics of decidual monocyte/macrophages. A hypothetical model for the interaction between HLA-G and monocyte/macrophage cells at the fetal-maternal interface is proposed.
Shakhawat
Ayesha
A
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
Shaikly
Valerie
V
Elzatma
Essam
E
Mavrakos
Emmanouil
E
Jabeen
Asma
A
Fernández
Nelson
N
D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D021041:Placental Circulation / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I