Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological paradox, where fetal antigens encoded by polymorphic genes inherited from the father do not provoke a maternal immune response. The fetus is not rejected as it would be theorized according to principles of tissue transplantation. A major contribution to fetal tolerance is the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a nonclassical HLA protein displaying limited polymorphism, restricted tissue distribution, and a unique alternative splice pattern. HLA-G is primarily expressed in placenta and plays multifaceted roles during pregnancy, both as a soluble and a membrane-bound molecule. Its immunomodulatory functions involve interactions with different immune cells and possibly regulation of cell migration during placental development. Recent findings include HLA-G contributions from the father and the fetus itself. Much effort has been put into clarifying the role of HLA-G during pregnancy and pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, recurrent spontaneous abortions, and subfertility or infertility. This review aims to clarify the multifunctional role of HLA-G in pregnancy-related disorders by focusing on genetic variation, differences in mRNA stability between HLA-G alleles, differences in HLA-G isoform expression, and possible differences in functional activity. Furthermore, we highlight important observations regarding HLA-G genetics and expression in preeclampsia that future research should address.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 591489 |
| Journal | Immunologic Research |
| Volume | 2014 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-11 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISSN | 0257-277X |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Alleles
- Alternative Splicing
- Cell Membrane
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- HLA-G Antigens
- Humans
- Organ Specificity
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Pre-Eclampsia
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications
- Pregnancy Outcome
- Protein Transport