Extended HLA-G haplotypes in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

The study aims to determine if genetic polymorphisms in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G gene are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). HLA-G is important for immunological tolerance, and it is also known to have angiogenic effects. Polymorphisms in the 5'-upstream regulatory region (URR) and 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of HLA-G have been associated with a number of diseases, especially with respect to a 14 bp insertion/deletion (ins/del) polymorphism in the 3'UTR.

Expression and differential regulation of HLA-G isoforms in the retinal pigment epithelial cell line, ARPE-19.

The purpose of this study was to examine if HLA-G is expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells of the eye. The RPE comprises the outer most layer of the retina and as such defines the interface to the blood and contributes to the immune privilege in the posterior part of the eye. One way the RPE might be regulating the immune system could be by expressing the non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule, HLA-G.

Multiplex bead-based immunoassay for the free soluble forms of the HLA-G receptors, ILT2 and ILT4.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is an immune-inhibitory molecule that exerts its function via interaction with two main inhibitory receptors: ILT2 and ILT4. This interaction is considered to be an immune checkpoint. HLA-G can be found as a soluble molecule, but it is not known if its receptors can also be found as soluble molecules.

The expression and functional activity of membrane-bound human leukocyte antigen-G1 are influenced by the 3'-untranslated region.

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G is an immunosuppressive molecule acting on both the innate and adaptive immune system. A 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs66554220) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of the HLA-G gene has been associated with a number of diseases, pregnancy complications, and graft rejection after organ transplantation. We have investigated the effect of HLA-G polymorphism in the 3'UTR on the processing and stability of the membrane-bound HLA-G1 (mHLA-G1) isoform, as well as its functional significance.

Human leukocyte antigen-G in the male reproductive system and in seminal plasma.

One of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class Ib proteins, HLA-G, is believed to exert important immunoregulatory functions, especially during pregnancy. The presence of HLA protein in paternal seminal fluid has been suggested to have an influence on the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. We have investigated whether HLA-G protein is present in human seminal plasma and in different tissue samples of the male reproductive system.