Implications of the polymorphism of HLA-G on its function, regulation, evolution and disease association.
The HLA-G gene displays several peculiarities that are distinct from those of classical HLA class I genes. The unique structure of the HLA-G molecule permits a restricted peptide presentation and allows the modulation of the cells of the immune system. Although polymorphic sites may potentially influence all biological functions of HLA-G, those present at the promoter and 3' untranslated regions have been particularly studied in experimental and pathological conditions. The relatively low polymorphism observed in the MHC-G coding region both in humans and apes may represent a strong selective pressure for invariance, whereas, in regulatory regions several lines of evidence support the role of balancing selection. Since HLA-G has immunomodulatory properties, the understanding of gene regulation and the role of polymorphic sites on gene function may permit an individualized approach for the future use of HLA-G for therapeutic purposes.
Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. eadonadi@fmrp.usp.br
Eduardo A
EA
Donadi
Erick C
EC
Castelli
Antonio
A
Arnaiz-Villena
Michel
M
Roger
Diego
D
Rey
Philippe
P
Moreau
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001483:Base Sequence; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D014181:Transplantation Immunology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I