HLA-G molecules and clinical outcome in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

CAOCCI, GIOVANNI

First

;Greco, Marianna;Arras, Marcella;Cusano, Roberto;ORRU, SANDRO;Martino, Bruno;Abruzzese, Elisabetta;Galimberti, Sara;Mulas, Olga;Trucas, Marcello;Littera, Roberto;Lai, Sara;CARCASSI, CARLO;LA NASA, GIORGIO

Last

2017-01-01

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Abstract

The human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) gene encodes a tolerogenic protein known to promote tumor immune-escape. We investigated HLA-G polymorphisms and soluble molecules (sHLA-G) in 68 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Patients with G*01:01:01 or G*01:01:02 allele had higher value of sHLA-G compared to G*01:01:03 (109.2±39.5 vs 39.9±8.8 units/ml; p=0.03), and showed lower event free survival (EFS) (62.3% vs 90.0%; p=0.02). The G*01:01:03 allele was associated with higher rates and earlier achievement of deep molecular response (MR)(4.5) (100% vs 65%, median of 8 vs 58 months, p=0.001). HLA-G alleles with higher secretion of sHLA-G seem associated with lower EFS, possibly because of an inhibitory effect on the immune system. Conversely, lower levels of sHLA-G promoted achievement of MR(4.5), suggesting increased cooperation with immune system.