Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule that, through interaction with its receptors, exerts important tolerogenic functions. Its main physiological expression occurs in placenta where it seems to participate in the maternal tolerance toward the fetus. HLA-G has been studied as a marker of pregnancy complications such as abortion or pre-eclapmsia. Although HLA-G is not expressed in most adult tissues, its ectopic expression has been observed in some diseases such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and especially cancer. HLA-G neo-expression in cancer is associated with the capability of tumor cells to evade the immune control. In this review, we will summarize HLA-G biology and how it participates in these physiopathological processes. Special attention will be paid to its role as a diagnostic tool and also as a therapeutic target.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 63-84 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2012 |
Keywords
- Assisted reproduction
- Autoimmune
- Cancer
- Human immunodeficiency virus-1
- ILT receptors
- Pregnancy
- Tolerance
- Tumor marker
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Biochemistry, medical