Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Major Histocompatibility Complex

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2017) | Viewed by 26018

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jukka Partanen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Kivihaantie 7, FI-00310 Helsinki, Finland
Interests: MHC; HLA; graft versus host disease; genetic variation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The role of HLA genes and molecules, as well as the entire MHC gene region in autoimmune disease susceptibility and histocompatibility, is crucial. A Special Issue on the Major Histocompatibility Complex in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences is therefore much warranted and timely. The Special Issue is now open to receive manuscripts on all aspects of the major histocompatibility complex with particular emphasis on recent advances in the role of variation outside of the classical HLA class I and II polymorphism, both in disease susceptibility and histocompatibility. Use of SNP arrays and NGS sequencing technologies have become a feasible and cost-effective way to study large cohorts which has certainly opened interesting new horizons. I am happy to act as guest editor for this issue and look forward to reading your contributions on MHC-related research.

Prof. Dr. Jukka Partanen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

MHC
HLA
Autoimmune disease
Susceptibility
Histocompatibility
SNP array
NGS
Graft versus host disease
Genetic variation

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recipient HLA-G +3142 CC Genotype and Concentrations of Soluble HLA-G Impact on Occurrence of CMV Infection after Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation

by Hana Guberina, Rafael Tomoya Michita, Sebastian Dolff, Anja Bienholz, Mirko Trilling, Falko M. Heinemann, Peter A. Horn, Andreas Kribben, Oliver Witzke and Vera Rebmann

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(11), 2338; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112338 - 05 Nov 2017

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5721

Abstract

The expression modulation of the immunosuppressive non-classical Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) molecule and its soluble isoforms is an immune evasion strategy being deployed by cytomegalovirus (CMV). The +3142 C>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) is of crucial importance for the regulation of HLA-G expression. Therefore, we analyzed the influence of the +3142 C>G HLA-G SNP on the occurrence of CMV infection in a cohort of 178 living-donor kidney recipients and their 178 corresponding donors. In addition, soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels were quantified before and after transplantation. The presence of the HLA-G +3142 CC genotype in recipients, but not donors of our cohort as along with elevated sHLA-G levels (≥ 6.1 ng/mL) were associated with higher susceptibility to CMV infection after transplantation. Our results provided evidence that i) HLA-G is implicated in the establishment of CMV after living-donor kidney transplantation and ii) recipient HLA-G +3142 CC genotype and sHLA-G concentration levels could represent important predictive risk markers for CMV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Major Histocompatibility Complex)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I and Class II Polymorphisms and Serum Cytokine Profiles in Cervical Cancer

by Larissa Bahls, Roger Yamakawa, Karina Zanão, Daniela Alfieri, Tamires Flauzino, Francieli Delongui, André De Abreu, Raquel Souza, Fabrícia Gimenes, Edna Reiche, Sueli Borelli and Marcia Consolaro

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(9), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091478 - 31 Aug 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5010

Abstract

Only a small proportion of women who are exposed to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) progress to persistent infection and develop cervical cancer (CC). The immune response and genetic background of the host may affect the risk of progression from a HR-HPV infection to lesions and cancer. However, to our knowledge, no studies has been conducted to evaluate the relationship between variability of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) genes and serum cytokine expression in this pathology. In the current study, we examined the associations of HLA alleles and haplotypes including Class I (HLA-A, -B and -C) and II (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1) with serum levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10 and IL-17 as well as risks of HPV infections, lesions and CC among admixed Brazilian women. HLA polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk or protection from HPV, lesions and CC. Additionally, we demonstrated a potential association of a HLA class I haplotype (HLA-B*14-C*08) with higher IL-10 cytokine serum levels in cervical disease, suggesting an association between HLA class I and specific cytokines in cervical carcinogenesis. However, larger studies with detailed HPV types coupled with genetic data are needed to further evaluate the effects of HLA and CC by HPV genotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Major Histocompatibility Complex)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

1135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Leukocyte Antigen C*12:02:02 and Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor 2DL5 are Distinctly Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Taiwanese

by Chin-Man Wang, Sheng-Hung Wang, Yeong-Jian Jan Wu, Jing-Chi Lin, Jianming Wu and Ji-Yih Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(8), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18081775 - 16 Aug 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5325

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands and Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) regulate the cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and certain T cells. We examined their genetic predisposition to disease susceptibility and clinical phenotypes in Taiwanese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. KIR genotyping and Human Leucocyte Antigen C (HLA-C) sequencing were performed in 653 Taiwanese AS patients and 952 healthy controls. KIR genotype distributions and HLA-C allele frequencies were compared in patients and controls and among patients with and without HLA-B27 positivity, early age onset and spinal syndesmophytes. HLA-C alleles were functionally characterized using 3D structural modelling with peptide simulation. This study discovered that the HLA-C*12:02:02 allele (43.42% vs. 3.31%; p < 0.00001 odds ratio (OR), 16.88; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 11.27–25.28) confers a strong risk for Taiwanese AS development. The 3D modelling results identified four unique amino acid polymorphisms, Ala73, Trp156, Arg219 and Met304, that may affect the function of the HLA-C*12:02:02 allele. KIR2DL5 (p = 0.0047; p_FDR = 0.0423) and the KIR Bx haplotype (p = 0.0000275) were protective against Taiwanese AS, while KIR 2DS4/1D (22 base pair truncated deletion; p = 0.0044; p_FDR = 0.1998) appeared to be a risk factor for it. KIR2DL5 combined with the HLA-C1/C2 heterozygous genotype showed a protective effect (AS 5.97% vs. normal 11.66%; p = 0.002; p_FDR = 0.0127, OR, 0.48 95% CI: 0.33–0.70); in contrast, KIR 2DS4/1D combined with the HLA-C1C1 homozygous genotype (AS 45.33% vs. normal 35.92%; p = 0.002; p_FDR = 0.0127, OR, 1.48 95% CI: 1.21–1.81) represented a risk factor for AS development. Our data suggested that interactions between KIRs and their cognate HLA-C ligands may contribute to the pathogenesis of AS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Major Histocompatibility Complex)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HLA-G 3′UTR Polymorphisms Predict Drug-Induced G3-4 Toxicity Related to Folinic Acid/5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) Chemotherapy in Non-Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

by Marica Garziera, Saverio Virdone, Elena De Mattia, Lucia Scarabel, Erika Cecchin, Jerry Polesel, Mario D’Andrea, Nicoletta Pella, Angela Buonadonna, Adolfo Favaretto and Giuseppe Toffoli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(7), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18071366 - 27 Jun 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4315

Abstract

Polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes might not completely explain inter-individual differences in toxicity profiles of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) that receive folinic acid/5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4). Recent data indicate that the immune system could contribute to FOLFOX4 outcomes. In light of the immune inhibitory nature of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, we aimed to identify novel genomic markers of grades 3 and 4 (G3-4) toxicity related to FOLFOX4 therapy in patients with CRC. We retrospectively analyzed data for 144 patients with stages II-III CRC to identify HLA-G 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) polymorphisms and related haplotypes and evaluate their impact on the risk of developing G3-4 toxicities (i.e., neutropenia, hematological/non-hematological toxicity, neurotoxicity) with logistic regression. The rs1610696-G/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk of G3-4 neutropenia (OR = 3.76, p = 0.015) and neurotoxicity (OR = 8.78, p = 0.016); rs371194629-Ins/Ins was associated with increased risk of neurotoxicity (OR = 5.49, p = 0.027). HLA-G 3′UTR-2, which contains rs1610696-G/G and rs371194629-Ins/Ins polymorphisms, was associated with increased risk of G3-4 neutropenia (OR = 3.92, p = 0.017) and neurotoxicity (OR = 11.29, p = 0.009). A bootstrap analysis confirmed the predictive value of rs1610696 and rs371194629, but the UTR-2 haplotype was validated only for neurotoxicity. This exploratory study identified new HLA-G 3′UTR polymorphisms/haplotypes as potential predictive markers of G3-4 toxicities in CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Major Histocompatibility Complex)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

1427 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Emerging Role of the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

by Gabriela Bortolança Chiarotto, Giovanni Nardo, Maria Chiara Trolese, Marcondes Cavalcante França Jr., Caterina Bendotti and Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(11), 2298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112298 - 01 Nov 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5133

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motoneurons (MNs). The etiology of the disease is still unknown for most patients with sporadic ALS, while in 5–10% of the familial cases, several gene mutations have been linked to the disease. Mutations in the gene encoding Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), reproducing in animal models a pathological scenario similar to that found in ALS patients, have allowed for the identification of mechanisms relevant to the ALS pathogenesis. Among them, neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells and systemic immune activation play a key role in the progression of the disease, through mechanisms that can be either neuroprotective or neurodetrimental depending on the type of cells and the MN compartment involved. In this review, we will examine and discuss the involvement of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) in ALS concerning its function in the adaptive immunity and its role in modulating the neural plasticity in the central and peripheral nervous system. The evidence indicates that the overexpression of MHCI into MNs protect them from astrocytes’ toxicity in the central nervous system (CNS) and promote the removal of degenerating motor axons accelerating collateral reinnervation of muscles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Major Histocompatibility Complex)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Major Histocompatibility Complex

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI