The low rate of HLA class I molecules on the human embryonic stem cell line HS293 is associated with the APM components' expression level

Cell Biol Int. 2007 Sep;31(9):1072-8. doi: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2007.03.015. Epub 2007 Mar 20.

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) represent a promise for future strategies of tissue replacement. However, there are different issues that should be resolved before these cells can be used in cellular therapies; among others, the rejection of transplantable hESCs as a result of HLA incompatibility between donor cells and recipients. The hESCs exhibit a weak HLA class I expression on the cell surface, but today the responsible mechanisms are unknown. We have analyzed the level expression of HLA class I heavy chain, beta2-microglobulin (beta2-m), and antigen-processing machinery (APM) components (TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, LMP7, and Tapasin) using the HS293 hESC line by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. This analysis has revealed a low expression of beta2-m, HLA-B, and Tapasin, and an absence of expression of: TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, and LMP7 genes in the HS293 hESC line respect to the embryoid bodies (EBs) and the induced stem cells with IFNgamma (with significant differences, p<0.05). The lack or loss of HLA class I molecules due to the down-regulation of the APM components has been frequently found in tumors of different histology as specific mechanisms of immune-evasion. We described for the first time in this report that the hESCs shared similar mechanisms with respect to tumor cells responsible for the weak HLA class I expression on the cell surface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • RNA, Messenger