The role of Qa-2, the functional homolog of HLA-G, in a Behcet's disease-like mouse model induced by the herpes virus simplex.
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested that the HLA-G molecule is a genetic risk factor for Behcet's disease (BD). In this study, we evaluated the level of Qa-2, a murine nonclassical class I MHC molecule and possible functional homolog of HLA-G, to determine if it was associated with various symptoms of BD-like mice. In addition, we investigated siRNA (small interfering RNA) treatment to determine if it inhibited Qa-2 expression, thereby changing the symptoms of mice.


METHODS
RNA interference (RNAi) and vector transfection were employed to manipulate gene expression in vivo in mice. siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Qa-2 expression vector was applied to inhibit or up-regulate Qa-2 expression, respectively.


RESULTS
The Qa-2 levels in granulocytes were lower in BD-like mice than in normal controls. The silencing of Qa-2 by intravenous injection of siRNA (500 nmol/mouse, 4 times at 3-day intervals) specifically reduced the Qa-2 levels and worsened the BD-like symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Silencing Qa-2 by injecting siRNA into mice resulted in deterioration of symptoms in BD-like mice.
Lee
Meeyoung
M
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ajou University Institute for Medical Sciences, Suwon, Korea.
Choi
Bunsoon
B
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ajou University Institute for Medical Sciences, Suwon, Korea.
Kwon
Hyuk Jae
HJ
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ajou University Institute for Medical Sciences, Suwon, Korea.
Shim
Ju A
JA
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ajou University Institute for Medical Sciences, Suwon, Korea.
Park
Kyung Sook
KS
Department of Biology, Sungshin University, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Eun-So
ES
Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Sohn
Seonghyang
S
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ajou University Institute for Medical Sciences, Suwon, Korea.|Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.