HLA-G expression is induced in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell lines by culture conditions.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) belongs to the nonclassical HLA class I family of genes presently designated as class Ib genes. It was found to be expressed mainly in placental tissue and in the thymus. Expression of HLA-G is induced by lymphokines such as interleukin-10 and has been associated with the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance or with inhibition of graft rejection. In this report, Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell lines established from peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy volunteers were studied. Our results show that EBV-transformed B-cell lines, but not freshly separated peripheral blood lymphocytes, can be induced to express HLA-G either by subjecting the cultures to nutrient deficiency to hypoxia or to both, however, not all cell lines responded equally to stress conditions. The association of HLA-G with certain cancer transformations may suggest that the resistance to HLA-G expression could be related to susceptibility to the development of malignancy.

• Authors: Ephraim Gazit, Maya Sherf, Elkana Balbin, Anna Muratov, Itamar Goldstein, Ron Loewenthal
• Journal: Human immunology (Hum Immunol) Vol. 68 Issue 6 Pg. 463-8 (Jun 2007) ISSN: 0198-8859 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17509445 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• HLA Antigens
• HLA-G Antigens
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class I

Topics

• B-Lymphocytes (immunology, virology)
• Cell Line, Transformed
• Gene Expression Regulation
• HLA Antigens (biosynthesis, metabolism)
• HLA-G Antigens
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (genetics, immunology, physiology)
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class I (biosynthesis, metabolism)
• Humans