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For a proper development of the placenta, maternal NK cells should not attack the fetal extravillous cytotrophoblast cells. This inhibition of maternal NK cells is partially mediated via the nonclassical MHC class I molecule HLA-G. Recently, we demonstrated that HLA-G forms disulfide-linked high molecular complexes on the surface of transfected cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that HLA-G must associate with beta(2)m for its interaction with CD85J/leukocyte Ig-like receptor-1 (LIR-1). Although HLA-G free H chain complexes are expressed on the surface, they are not recognized and possibly interfere with CD85J/LIR-1 and HLA-G interaction. The formation of these complexes on the cell surface might represent a novel mechanism developed specifically by the HLA-G protein aimed to control the efficiency of the CD85J/LIR-1-mediated inhibition. We also show that endogenous HLA-G complexes are expressed on the cell surface. These findings provide novel insights into the delicate interaction between extravillous cytotrophoblast cells and NK cells in the decidua.

Original publication

DOI

10.4049/jimmunol.175.8.4866

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Immunol

Publication Date

15/10/2005

Volume

175

Pages

4866 - 4874

Keywords

Antigens, CD, Cell Line, Transformed, Cell Line, Tumor, HLA Antigens, HLA-G Antigens, Histocompatibility Antigens Class I, Humans, Killer Cells, Natural, Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptor B1, Papain, Receptors, Immunologic, beta 2-Microglobulin