Soluble HLA-G inhibits human dendritic cell-triggered allogeneic T-cell proliferation without altering dendritic differentiation and maturation processes.

The role of the nonclassical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class Ib molecule HLA-G in immune tolerance was first reported at maternofetal interface. This immunomodulating role could be exerted more generally in tumoral or post-transplantation situations in inhibiting natural killer (NK) and T-lymphocyte mediated lysis. Among the different transcripts resulting from alternative splicing, the mainly secreted isoform, HLA-G5, corresponds to complete molecule and has been demonstrated to be elevated in melanomas and in serum from heart-transplanted patients. As dendritic cells expressed ILT4, an inhibitory receptor capable of interacting with HLA-G, we have studied the effect of soluble HLA-G (HLA-G5) on differentiation, maturation, apoptosis and function of monocyte or CD34+-derived dendritic cells (DC). Soluble HLA-G did not alter differentiation, maturation or apoptosis of DC whatever their origin. On the other hand, an inhibitory effect of HLA-G5 on T lymphocytes proliferation was found in 53% of mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR) and was variable in intensity. These data demonstrate an indirect way of HLA-G5 action on DC occurring via T lymphocytes that reinforces the immune inhibitory role of soluble HLA-G capable to be secreted during tumoral malignancies or following heart transplantation.