title: Interaction between HLA-G and monocyte/macrophages in human pregnancy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ayesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shakhawat
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Shaikly
authors.forename: Essam
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elzatma
authors.forename: Emmanouil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mavrakos
authors.forename: Asma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jabeen
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fernández
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I