Protection from natural killer cell-mediated lysis by HLA-G expression on target cells

Science. 1996 Nov 1;274(5288):792-5. doi: 10.1126/science.274.5288.792.

Abstract

The outermost layer of the human placenta is devoid of classical class I human leukocyte antigens (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) and class II proteins (HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP). Although this prevents recognition by maternal T lymphocytes, the lack of class I molecules leaves these cells susceptible to attack by natural killer (NK) cells. However, trophoblast cells directly in contact with the maternal tissues express the class I molecule HLA-G, which may be involved in protecting the trophoblast from recognition by NK cells. Here evidence is provided that expression of HLA-G is sufficient to protect otherwise susceptible target cells from lysis by activated NK1 and NK2 cell lines and clones that are specific for distinct groups of HLA-C alleles. The receptors on NK cells that recognize HLA-G are also identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • CD56 Antigen / analysis
  • Cell Line
  • Clone Cells
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic*
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA Antigens / physiology*
  • HLA-C Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-C Antigens / physiology
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / physiology
  • Receptors, KIR
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • CD56 Antigen
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-C Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, KIR
  • p70 natural killer cell receptor