Monoclonal antibodies specific to HLA-G1 and HLA-G2 and their applications

Technology ID: 03KUMC307 

Inventors: Joan Hunt, Ph.D. et al., Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Background of the Technology
HLA-G proteins are members of a family of class Ib histocompatibility antigens that are not generally expressed in non-pregnant adults. HLA-G proteins may play a role in maintaining pregnancy by suppressing maternal immune responses at the fetal-maternal interface. Research indicates that the excretion of soluble HLA-G proteins may be a characteristic of some cancer cells which in turn may lead to cancer progression by suppressing the host immune response. Researchers at KUMC have developed two mouse derived monoclonal antibodies to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-G) proteins. The first antibody binds to soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen G1 (anti-sHLA-G1). The second antibody binds to both the soluble and membrane bound isoforms of Human Leukocyte Antigen G2 (anti-m/sHLA-G2). The specificity of these antibodies for individual isoforms of the HLA-G family of proteins may aid researchers and clinicians in further evaluating the activity of these HLA-G proteins in pregnancy, cancer progression, and cellular biology. To this end researchers at KUMC have successfully utilized these antibodies in several assays including an ELISA. 

Advantages of the Technology

• These are the first known anti-HLA-G antibodies that can distinguish between the HLA-G1 and   G2 isoforms.
• The anti-sHLA-G1 antibody is the first antibody known to date that binds specifically to the   soluble form of HLA-G1 as opposed to membrane bound HLA-G1.

Potential Applications

• Diagnostic Applications
  • Monitor HLA-G levels in serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, extracts of tissues or cells and    supernatants of cultured cells
  • Examine supernatants of embryo cultures used for in vitro fertilization
  • Follow HLA-G status of the mother during pregnancy in order to detect potential complication    with pregnancy--potential use in pre-eclampsia
  • Follow HLA-G status in organ transplants, skin disorders, inflammatory conditions, and tumors
• Research Applications
  • ELISA,
  • immunoprecipitation,
  • Immunofluorescence,
  • Immunohistochemistry, and
  • Flow cytometry.

Availability: Available for non-exclusive or exclusive license. Please contact the Technology Transfer Office at 913-588-5721 for more information.