HLA-G transgenic mice

J Reprod Immunol. 1999 Jul;43(2):253-61. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0378(99)00027-3.

Abstract

We have generated a number of transgenic mice using DNA segments derived from the HLA-G gene. Using these mice we have examined the pattern of expression dictated by HLA-G promoter elements in mice and shown that HLA-G functions both as a restriction element and a transplantation antigen recognized by murine T cells. In addition, we have shown that trophoblast cells expressing H-2Kb under the control of HLA-G promoter elements affect maternal T cell phenotype and responsiveness during pregnancy. Using these same HLA-G/H-2Kb transgenic mice we have shown that trophoblast cells, expressing an inducible enzyme that degrades tryptophan, protects allogeneic conceptus expressing paternally-inherited transgenes from attack by maternal T cells that leads to fetal rejection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • H-2 Antigens / genetics
  • H-2 Antigens / immunology
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Pregnancy
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Spleen / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Trophoblasts / immunology

Substances

  • H-2 Antigens
  • H-2Kb protein, mouse
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I