HLA-G dimers in the prolongation of kidney allograft survival

J Immunol Res. 2014:2014:153981. doi: 10.1155/2014/153981. Epub 2014 Mar 30.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) contributes to acceptance of allografts in solid organ/tissue transplantation. Most studies have determined that soluble HLA-G isoforms are systematically detected in serum/plasma of transplanted patients with significantly fewer episodes of acute and/or chronic rejection of allogeneic tissue/organ. Current models of the interactions of HLA-G and its specific receptors explain it as functioning in a monomeric form. However, in recent years, new data has revealed the ability of HLA-G to form disulfide-linked dimeric complexes with high preferential binding and functional activities. Limited data are available on the role of soluble HLA-G dimers in clinical pathological conditions. We describe here the presence of soluble HLA-G dimers in kidney transplant patients. Our study showed that a high level of HLA-G dimers in plasma and increased expression of the membrane-bound form of HLA-G on monocytes are associated with prolongation of kidney allograft survival. We also determined that the presence of soluble HLA-G dimers links to the lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential role of HLA-G dimers in controlling the accompanying inflammatory state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Survival / immunology*
  • HLA-G Antigens / blood
  • HLA-G Antigens / chemistry
  • HLA-G Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-G Antigens / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / blood
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / immunology
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9