TY - JOUR
T1 - HLA class Ib in pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders
AU - Persson, Gry
AU - Melsted, Wenna Nascimento
AU - Nilsson, Line Lynge
AU - Hviid, Thomas Vauvert F.
PY - 2017/8/1
Y1 - 2017/8/1
N2 - The HLA class Ib genes, HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G, were discovered long after the classical HLA class Ia genes. The elucidation of their functions had a modest beginning. However, their basic functions and involvement in pathophysiology and a range of diseases are now emerging. Although results from a range of studies support the functional roles for the HLA class Ib molecules in adult life, especially HLA-G and HLA-F have most intensively been, and were also primarily, studied in relation to reproduction and pregnancy. The expression of HLA class Ib proteins at the feto-maternal interface in the placenta seems to be important for the maternal acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetus. In contrast to the functions of HLA class Ia, HLA-G possesses immune-modulatory and tolerogenic functions. Here, we review an accumulating amount of data describing the functions of HLA class Ib molecules in relation to fertility, reproduction, and pregnancy, and a possible role for these molecules in certain pregnancy complications, such as implantation failure, recurrent spontaneous abortions, and pre-eclampsia. The results from different kinds of studies point toward a role for HLA class Ib, especially HLA-G, throughout the reproductive cycle from conception to the birth weight of the child.
AB - The HLA class Ib genes, HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G, were discovered long after the classical HLA class Ia genes. The elucidation of their functions had a modest beginning. However, their basic functions and involvement in pathophysiology and a range of diseases are now emerging. Although results from a range of studies support the functional roles for the HLA class Ib molecules in adult life, especially HLA-G and HLA-F have most intensively been, and were also primarily, studied in relation to reproduction and pregnancy. The expression of HLA class Ib proteins at the feto-maternal interface in the placenta seems to be important for the maternal acceptance of the semi-allogenic fetus. In contrast to the functions of HLA class Ia, HLA-G possesses immune-modulatory and tolerogenic functions. Here, we review an accumulating amount of data describing the functions of HLA class Ib molecules in relation to fertility, reproduction, and pregnancy, and a possible role for these molecules in certain pregnancy complications, such as implantation failure, recurrent spontaneous abortions, and pre-eclampsia. The results from different kinds of studies point toward a role for HLA class Ib, especially HLA-G, throughout the reproductive cycle from conception to the birth weight of the child.
KW - Assisted reproduction
KW - HLA class Ib genes
KW - Pre-eclampsia
KW - Pregnancy
KW - Pregnancy complications
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85023205457&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00251-017-0988-4
DO - 10.1007/s00251-017-0988-4
M3 - Review
C2 - 28699111
AN - SCOPUS:85023205457
VL - 69
SP - 581
EP - 595
JO - Immunogenetics
JF - Immunogenetics
SN - 0093-7711
IS - 8-9
ER -