Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Increases HLA-G+/FoxP3+ T-Regulatory Cell Population in an In Vitro Model of PBMC

Abstract

We provide in vitro evidence that NGAL is involved in cellular immunity. The potential role of NGAL as an immunomodulatory molecule is based on its ability to induce immune tolerance by upregulating HLA-G expression and expansion of T-regulatory cells in healthy donors. Future studies should further evaluate the role of NGAL in immunology and immunomodulation and its possible relationship to immunosuppressive therapy efficacy, tolerance induction in transplant patients, and other immunological disorders.