Objective: To explore the effect of AFG1 on the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA-I) molecule in human esophageal epithelial cells.
Method: Western Blot and RT-PCT analysis was used to explore the effect of AFG1 on the antigen presenting function of primary cultured esophageal epithelial cells.
Results: The protein expression of HLA-ABC was significantly decreased in the groups treated with 100, 1000 and 2000 microg/L AFG1 as compared with the solvent control group (P < 0.05). Within the range of 100 - 2000 microg/L AFG1, the protein expression level of HLA-ABC of esophageal epithelial cells decreased gradually, and showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.921, n = 3, P < 0.01). The effect of AFG1 on the expression of HLA-ABC mRNA was further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that after treated with 100 microg/L, 1000 microg/L and 2000 microg/L AFG1, the expression of HLA-A mRNA was decreased significantly as compared with the solvent control (P < 0.05), and the expression of HLA-B mRNA was decreased in the 2000 microg/L AFG1 treated group (P < 0.05), while there was no effect on the expression of HLA-C mRNA.
Conclusion: The expression of HLA- I molecule in human esophageal epithelial cells could be inhibited by AFG1 treatment.