title: Non-classical MHC-I human leukocyte antigen (HLA-G) in hepatotropic viral infections and in hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a "nonclassical" major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib gene, located at chromosome 6, in the 6p21.3 region. The HLA-G presents immunomodulatory functions essential in pregnancy for the tolerance of the semi-allogenic fetus, but an abnormal expression of HLA-G has been observed in numerous pathological conditions, such as tumors, autoimmune diseases and viral infections. In recent years, numerous studies have assessed the clinical relevance of HLA-G expression in different types of cancer: in general, a higher HLA-G expression correlates with a lower survival rate or a shorter disease-free survival. Altered expression of HLA-G has been found in both HCV and HBV infection, and some genetic polymorphisms have been associated with altered susceptibility/disease development for these infections, however, whether the biologic role of HLA-G in HCV and HBV infection is beneficial or hazardous, it is not completely clear. In the context of hepatocellular carcinoma, HLA-G has shown a potential diagnostic role, moreover a prognostic value in HCC patients has been also attributed to HLA-G molecules. We revise here the role of HLA-G in hepatotropic HBV/HCV infections and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
authors.affiliation: Medical Science Department, University of Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Eulalia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Catamo
authors.affiliation: Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zupin
authors.affiliation: Medical Science Department, University of Trieste, Italy; Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crovella
authors.affiliation: Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Fulvio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Celsi
authors.affiliation: Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy. Electronic address: ludovica.segat@burlo.trieste.it.
authors.forename: Ludovica
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Segat
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D059951:HLA-G Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D059951:HLA-G Antigens
keywords: HBV; HCV; HLA-G; Hepatocellular carcinoma