Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
9261655 Autoimmunity Reviews 2005 7 Pages PDF
Abstract
Over the past few years, the non-classical HLA class I molecule HLA-G has been the center of intense investigations that have led to the description of its particular structural and functional properties. Although located in the HLA class I region of chromosome six, the HLA-G gene may be distinguished from other HLA class I genes by its low polymorphism and alternative splicing that generates seven HLA-G proteins, whose tissue-distribution is restricted to normal fetal and adult tissues that display a tolerogeneic function towards both innate and acquired immune cells. We review here the functions of HLA-G from an immunological stand point, focusing on the recent advances in this field and on their potential impact in human pathologies, such as cancer and organ transplantation.
Related Topics
Life Sciences Immunology and Microbiology Immunology
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