HLA-G inhibits the allogeneic proliferative response

Abstract

HLA-G is a non-classical MHC class I molecule expressed at the feto/maternal interface where it plays a role in materno-fetal tolerance by inhibiting NK cells. Expression of killing inhibitory receptors capable of interacting with HLA-G on T lymphocytes led us to hypothesize that HLA-G molecules could also modulate T cell responses, analyzed here in the context of the allogeneic proliferative response. Using LCL-HLA-G transfectants as stimulators of T cells present among peripheral mononuclear cells and K562-HLA-G1 transfectants as inhibitors in a classical mixed lymphocyte reaction, we showed that HLA-G is able to inhibit T cell allo-proliferation. These findings provide new insight into the role of HLA-G in preventing allograft rejection.