The non-classical Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) differs from classical HLA class I molecules by its low genetic diversity, a tissue-restricted expression, the existence of seven isoforms, and immuno-inhibitory functions.
Most of the known functions of HLA-G concern the membrane-bound HLA-G1 and soluble HLA-G5 isoforms, which present the typical structure of classical HLA class I molecule: a heavy chain of three globular domains α1–α2–α3 non-covalently bound to β-2-microglobulin (Β2M) and a peptide. Very little is known of the structural features and functions of other HLA-G isoforms or structural conformations other than Β2M-associated HLA-G1 and HLA-G5.
In the present work we studied the capability of all isoforms to form homomultimers, and investigated whether they could bind to, and function through the known HLA-G receptors LILRB1 and LILRB2. We report that all HLA-G isoforms may form homodimers, demonstrating for the first time the existence of HLA-G4 dimers. We also report that the HLA-G α1–α3 structure, that constitutes the extracellular part of HLA-G2 and HLA-G6, binds the LILRB2 receptor but not LILRB1. This is the first report of a receptor for an HLA-G truncated isoform. Following up on this finding, we show that the α1–α3-Fc structure coated on agarose beds is tolerogenic and capable of prolonging the survival of skin allografts in B6-mice and in a LILRB2-transgenic mouse model. This study is the first proof of concept that truncated HLA-G isoforms could be used as therapeutic agents.
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