Low expression of human histocompatibility soluble leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G5) in invasive cervical cancer with and without metastasis, associated with papilloma virus (HPV)

J Histochem Cytochem. 2010 May;58(5):405-11. doi: 10.1369/jhc.2009.954131. Epub 2009 Sep 28.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class Ib molecule that acts as a specific immunosuppressor. Some studies have demonstrated that human papillomavirus (HPV) seems to be involved in lower or absent HLA-G expression, particularly in cervical cancer. In this study, we performed a cross-sectional study, systematically comparing the qualitative expression of the HLA-G5 isoform in invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC), stratifying patients according to the presence [ICC with metastasis (ICC(W))] and absence [ICC without metastasis (ICC(WT))] of metastasis, correlating these findings with interference of HPV and demographic and clinical variables. Seventy-nine patients with a diagnosis of ICC were stratified into two groups: ICC(WT) (n=52 patients) and ICC(W) (n=27). Two biopsies were collected from each patient (one from the tumor lesion and one from a lymph node). Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed for the HLA-G5 isoform, for HPV detection, and virus typing. HLA-G5 isoform molecules were detected in 25 cases (31.6%), 17 (32.7%) without metastasis and 8 (29.6%) with metastasis. HPV was detected in the cervical lesions of 74 patients (93.7%), but low expression of the HLA-G5 isoform was observed in all HPV-related cases. These findings are important; however, additional studies are necessary to identify the influence of HPV with HLA-G5 isoform expression on invasive cervical malignancies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / biosynthesis*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Papillomaviridae / classification
  • Papillomaviridae / isolation & purification
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Protein Isoforms / biosynthesis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / virology

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Protein Isoforms