Possible roles of HLA-G regulating immune cells in pregnancy and endometrial diseases via KIR2DL4

Abstract

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules bind peptides originated from cellular synthesis and present them at the cell surface for recognition by receptors on immune cells like T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells or mast cells. Such recognition plays a crucial part in autoimmunity, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a member of non-classical HLA class I molecules which has been studied deeply in recent years into its role in pregnancy and endometrial diseases, including endometrial tumor, endometriosis and adenomyosis, etc. Understanding the mechanism of the maintenance of pregnancy and immune escape of endometrial diseases in a HLA-G dependent way is of current interest. Perception from studies in the expression of HLA-G and possible pathways is a vital part of understanding mechanisms related to immune escape.

Keywords: Endometrial diseases; Human leukocyte antigen G; Major histocompatibility complex; Pregnancy.