A new allele, HLA-G*01010106, with changes in intron 2

HLA-G as a tolerogenic molecule in transplantation and pregnancy

HLA-G is a nonclassical HLA class I molecule. In allogeneic situations such as pregnancy or allograft transplantation, the expression of HLA-G has been related to a better acceptance of the fetus or the allograft. Thus, it seems that HLA-G is crucially involved in mechanisms shaping an allogeneic immune response into tolerance. In this contribution we focus on (i) how HLA-G is involved in transplantation and human reproduction, (ii) how HLA-G is regulated by genetic and microenvironmental factors, and (iii) how HLA-G can offer novel perspectives with respect to therapy.

Identification of HLA-G*01:17, a new allele possibly generated by an interloci gene conversion event involving exon 3 of HLA-B

HLA-G*01:17 was discovered in a woman of Kenyan descent who was enrolled in a mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission cohort. The new allele was identical to HLA-G*01:06 at exons 2, 3, and 4 with the exception of a base pair substitution at codon 169 (CAC → CGC) resulting in a coding change from histidine to arginine and codon 171 (TAC → CAC), resulting in turn in a coding change from tyrosine to histidine. The World Health Organization (WHO) Nomenclature Committee has named this allele HLA-G*01:17.

The novel HLA-G*01010302 allele differs from G*01010301 by a single nucleotide change in intron 5

HLA-G*01010301 and G*01010302 differ by a single point mutation in intron 5.