title: HLA-G Molecules in Autoimmune Diseases and Infections.
abstract: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule, a non-classical HLA-Ib molecule, is less polymorphic when compared to classical HLA class I molecules. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) was first detected on cytotrophoblast cells at the feto-maternal interface but its expression is prevalent during viral infections and several autoimmune diseases. HLA-G gene is characterized by polymorphisms at the 3' un-translated region and 5' upstream regulatory region that regulate its expression and are associated with autoimmune diseases and viral infection susceptibility, creating an unbalanced and pathologic environment. This review focuses on the role of HLA-G genetic polymorphisms, mRNA, and protein expression in autoimmune conditions and viral infections.
authors.affiliation: Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.affiliation: Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Daria
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bortolotti
authors.affiliation: Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bolzani
authors.affiliation: Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Arcispedale S. Anna , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fainardi
keywords: HLA-G; autoimmunity; infection; inflammation; regulation