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Successful placentation in the human is dependent on the trophoblast evading recognition and destruction by the maternal immune system. However, invasive cytotrophoblast express HLA-G which may be able to present peptide to T cells. Transporter proteins are essential for peptide presentation and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I assembly. We have determined their expression by trophoblast in relation to HLA-G, using immunohistochemistry. Anti-transporter protein antibody (TAP1) labeling closely paralleled that of MHC class I, but the intensity of its expression was much greater on the HLA-G+ extravillous cytotrophoblast than any other fetal or maternal tissue in the first trimester and at term. This suggests that the extravillous cytotrophoblast are very actively assembling MHC class I antigens with peptides. However, expression of MHC class I by the cytotrophoblast was not correspondingly elevated. This pattern could result from HLA-G being shed from the surface of the trophoblast, a process which may play a central role in protecting the fetus from maternal immune attack.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/eji.1830250236

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Immunol

Publication Date

02/1995

Volume

25

Pages

543 - 553

Keywords

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 2, ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters, Animals, Female, HLA Antigens, HLA-G Antigens, Histocompatibility Antigens Class I, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Mice, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, First, RNA, Messenger, Trophoblasts