HLA-G expression and regulation during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients.

Background Deregulated immune response fails to control biofilm-forming bacteria, as P.aeruginosa, in the lung of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. HLA-G is an immune-modulatory molecule involved in respiratory diseases and infections. Methods HLA-G mRNA and protein were analyzed in plasma and exhaled breath condensate from CF patients undergoing intravenous antibiotic treatment, CF cell line and murine model. Results Therapy normalizes HLA-G plasmatic in CF patients suggesting a systemic anti-inflammatory role while in CF airway system, higher expression of HLA-G is associated with P.aeruginosa infection. CF cell line and murine model expressed higher HLA-G molecules in the presence of P.aeruginosa. Conclusions Plasmatic and lung HLA-G expression suggest a role in reducing systemic inflammation and supporting P.aeruginosa infection.