The HLA-G 14bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

HLA-G is a non-classical HLA class Ib molecule with limited protein variability generated by alternative splicing. HLA-G displays immunotolerant properties and hence plays important roles in the maintenance of a successful pregnancy and maternal tolerance of the semiallogenic fetus. Polymorphism of the HLA-G gene may potentially affect the biological properties of the protein, and a 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in exon 8 of the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the HLA-G gene is thought to influence HLA-G expression.