Soluble human leucocyte antigen-G molecules in peripheral blood haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a specific role to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease and a link with regulatory T cells

Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Apr;152(1):50-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03598.x. Epub 2008 Jan 28.

Abstract

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is often complicated by the life-threatening graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) which consists of an allogeneic reaction of the graft cells against the host organs. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative involvement of soluble human leucocyte antigen (sHLA) class I molecules, and particularly sHLA-G molecules, in the occurrence and/or prevention of acute GVHD (aGVHD) in allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PSC) transplantation. Whole sHLA class I molecules seem to be involved in aGVHD pathogenesis because detection of a high concentration of these molecules in the first month post allograft is correlated with aGVHD occurrence. Conversely, a high level of sHLA-G molecules before and after allograft could indicate good prognosis in PSC allograft transplantation. sHLA-G molecules seem to be involved in aGVHD prevention, not only because they are enriched in plasma of patients without aGVHD, but also because: (i) a positive correlation has been found between sHLA-G level and CD4+ CD25+ CD152+ natural regulatory T cell (T(reg)) frequency in the blood of transplanted patients; and (ii) the presence of CD4+ CD25+ CD152+ natural T(reg) is correlated with increased sHLA-G expression in in vitro mixed leucocyte reaction cultures. Altogether, these results support the immunomodulatory function of sHLA-G molecules that might create a regulatory network together with the natural T(reg) to foster the induction of a tolerogenic environment and improve PSC transplantation favourable outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • HLA Antigens / blood
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / blood
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
  • Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Prognosis
  • Solubility
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I