HLA-F

HLA-F is a gene that in humans encodes the HLA-F protein, which is a member of the HLA class I heavy chain paralogues. This class I molecule is a heterodimer consisting of a heavy chain and a light chain (beta-2 microglobulin). The heavy chain is anchored in the membrane. Class I molecules play a central role in the immune system by presenting peptides derived from the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. They are expressed in nearly all cells. The heavy chain is approximately 45 kDa and its gene contains 8 exons. Exon 1 encodes the leader peptide, exons 2 and 3 encode the alpha1 and alpha2 domains, which both bind the peptide, exon 4 encodes the alpha3 domain, exon 5 encodes the transmembrane region and exons 6 and 7 encode the cytoplasmic tail.

Function

HLA-F belongs to the HLA class I heavy chain paralogues. This class I molecule is a heterodimer consisting of a heavy chain and a light chain (beta-2 microglobulin). The heavy chain is anchored in the membrane. HLA-F has a restricted pattern of expression, unlike classical class I molecules, thus the molecule is not ubiquitously expressed on all nucleated cells. It has been suggested that HLA-F is a stress-induced molecule that binds a restricted subset of peptides for immune regulatory functions.

Clinical significance

HLA-F has been associated with pregnancy, viral infection, and autoimmune disease. It is thought to interact with killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRs) to modulate the activity of natural killer cells and certain T cells.

See also

• HLA class I
• Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor
• Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor

External links

• HLA-F at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

HLA-F Resources
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