Abstract.
HLA-G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule selectively expressed on cytotrophoblasts at the fetal-maternal interface, where it plays a role in materno-fetal tolerance. In contrast to classical HLA-A, -B and -C class I molecules, HLA-G is characterized by (i) a tissue-restricted distribution, (ii) a limited polymorphism and (iii) a transcription of spliced messenger RNAs encoding for at least four membrane-bound and two soluble HLA-G isoforms. Extensive studies over the past few years have identified HLA-G as a molecule involved in immune tolerance. In this review, attempts were made to summarize the current state of knowledge of the effects of HLA-G on both natural killer and T cell functions and their implications in materno-fetal tolerance and tumor immunosurveillance.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 22 December 1998; accepted 22 December 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Carosella, E., Dausset, J. & Rouas-Freiss, N. Immunotolerant functions of HLA-G. CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 55, 327–333 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050295
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050295