HLA-G class I gene expression in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells.

The class Ib HLA-G gene encodes for a molecule which is selectively expressed in fetal placental cells. Fetomaternal tolerance could be partially explained by the interactions between HLA-G molecules and KIR receptors of decidual NK cells. To determine whether the presence of HLA-G antigens might constitute a factor of immune tolerance during the tumoral process, we compared the expression of the HLA-G gene in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. Despite a HLA-G transcriptional activity in several lymphocytes and monocytes, no antigens are found at the cell surface or in the cytosol using the specific HLA-G mAb, 87G. This lack of expression does not appear modified in malignant hematopoietic cells. However, treatment of the monohistiocytic cell line U937 with different cytokines enabled the expression of HLA-G antigens to be induced. We suggest that the potential induction of HLA-G molecules in monocytic malignant cells following secretion of cytokines may constitute a factor of immune tolerance in patients.