HLA-G EXPRESSION PROTECTS PORCINE ENDOTHELIAL CELLS AGAINST NATURAL KILLER CELL-MEDIATED XENOGENEIC CYTOTOXICITY1,2

Abstract

Expression of HLA-G on PAECs protected xenogeneic PAECs against human polyclonal NK cell-mediated lysis. These results indicate that the expression of HLA-G alone in the absence of other nonclassical HLA class I molecules is sufficient to inhibit human NK cell lysis. These findings suggest methods utilizing HLA-G to overcome NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against porcine endothelial cells, considered the first cell type effected during xenograft cellular rejection.