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Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
Induction of both membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G expression in active human cytomegalovirus infection
Wei-Hua Yan1, Aifen Lin, Bao-Guo Chen
1Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical College, Linhai, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. yanwhcom@yahoo.com
Background:
Alteration of HLA expression or cytokine production plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. HLA-G has been suggested to be involved in HCMV infection, and modulation of HLA-G expression by interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-10 has been reported. However, the clinical relevance of HLA-G in HCMV infection remains unknown.
Methods:
The study included 75 patients with active HCMV infection (age range, 1-4.5 years) and 150 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects (age range, 1-5 years). HLA-G expression in peripheral monocytes from patients (n=38) and control subjects (n=20) was analyzed using flow cytometry. Plasma levels of soluble HLA-G (in 75 patients and 150 control subjects), IL-10 (in 75 patients and 40 control subjects), and IFN-gamma (in 75 patients and 40 control subjects) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
The mean percentage of HLA-G-positive monocytes among patients with active HCMV infection was dramatically increased, compared with that among healthy control subjects (6.33% vs 1.64%; P<.001). Similarly, significant increases were observed in soluble HLA-G level (median, 54.91 vs 21.32 U/mL; P<.001) and IL-10 level (median, 9.24 vs 1.82 ng/mL; P<.001). Although the expression of IFN-gamma was higher in patients with active HCMV infection than in healthy control subjects, the difference was not statistically significant (median, 1254.46 vs 887.05 ng/mL; P=.070). Furthermore, no correlation was established between HLA-G expression and levels of IL-10 or IFN-gamma.
Conclusions:
HLA-G expression in monocytes and plasma soluble HLA-G and IL-10 levels were increased during active HCMV infection.
Insights
Increased Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) expression in monocytes and elevated soluble HLA-G and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels are linked to active Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in children. These findings highlight HLA-G
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathogenesis of infectious diseases
Background:
- Alterations in HLA expression and cytokine production are key in Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pathogenesis.
- Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) involvement in HCMV infection is suggested, with prior reports on its modulation by Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10).
- The clinical significance of HLA-G in HCMV infection remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical relevance of HLA-G in active HCMV infection.
- To compare HLA-G expression and cytokine levels in children with and without active HCMV infection.
- To explore potential correlations between HLA-G, IL-10, and IFN-gamma in HCMV infection.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze HLA-G expression in monocytes from 38 HCMV patients and 20 controls.
- Plasma levels of soluble HLA-G, IL-10, and IFN-gamma were quantified using ELISA in 75 HCMV patients and controls.
- Study included 75 children with active HCMV infection and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher percentages of HLA-G-positive monocytes were observed in HCMV patients compared to controls (6.33% vs. 1.64%, P<.001).
- Elevated plasma levels of soluble HLA-G (54.91 vs. 21.32 U/mL, P<.001) and IL-10 (9.24 vs. 1.82 ng/mL, P<.001) were found in HCMV patients.
- While IFN-gamma levels were higher in patients, the difference was not statistically significant (P=.070), and no correlation was found between HLA-G and IL-10 or IFN-gamma.
Conclusions:
- Monocyte HLA-G expression and plasma soluble HLA-G and IL-10 levels are elevated during active HCMV infection.
- These findings suggest a role for HLA-G and IL-10 in the immune response during HCMV infection.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical implications.
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