HLA-G expression on blasts and tolerogenic cells in patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia

J Immunol Res. 2014:2014:636292. doi: 10.1155/2014/636292. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Abstract

Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) contributes to cancer cell immune escape from host antitumor responses. The clinical relevance of HLA-G in several malignancies has been reported. However, the role of HLA-G expression and functions in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is still controversial. Our group identified a subset of tolerogenic dendritic cells, DC-10 that express HLA-G and secrete IL-10. DC-10 are present in the peripheral blood and are essential in promoting and maintaining tolerance via the induction of adaptive T regulatory (Treg) cells. We investigated HLA-G expression on blasts and the presence of HLA-G-expressing DC-10 and CD4(+) T cells in the peripheral blood of AML patients at diagnosis. Moreover, we explored the possible influence of the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of HLA-G, which has been associated with HLA-G expression, on AML susceptibility. Results showed that HLA-G-expressing DC-10 and CD4(+) T cells are highly represented in AML patients with HLA-G positive blasts. None of the HLA-G variation sites evaluated was associated with AML susceptibility. This is the first report describing HLA-G-expressing DC-10 and CD4(+) T cells in AML patients, suggesting that they may represent a strategy by which leukemic cells escape the host's immune system. Further studies on larger populations are required to verify our findings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology*
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / immunology*
  • HLA-G Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-G Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / immunology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • IL10 protein, human
  • Interleukin-10