[Genetic polymorphisms, function and clinical effect of HLA-G]

Abstract

HLA-G is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule that differs from the classical HLA I class molecules by (1) a limited polymorphism, (2) a tissue-restricted distribution and (3) a transcription of spliced messenger RNAs encoding for at least four membrane-bound and two soluble HLA-G isoforms. Extensive studies over the past few years have identified HLA-G as a molecule involved in immune tolerance. In this review, attempts were made to summarize the current state of knowledge of the polymorphisms, expression, function, the effects of HLA-G on immuno-associated disease, evolution of HLA-G and its utility in disease therapy.