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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2014; 20(14): 3778-3794
Published online Apr 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.3778
Inhibition of host immune response in colorectal cancer: Human leukocyte antigen-G and beyond
Marica Garziera, Giuseppe Toffoli
Marica Garziera, Giuseppe Toffoli, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
Author contributions: Garziera M and Toffoli G established the design and conception of the paper; Garziera M analyzed the literature data and provided the first draft of the manuscript; Garziera M created figures and tables; Toffoli G discussed and revised critically for intellectual content; Garziera M submitted the manuscript; and Toffoli G approved the final version prior to publication.
Supported by Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC), Special Program Molecular Clinical Oncology, 5X1000, No. 12214 (G.T.); European Research Council, Programme ‘‘Ideas’’, Proposal No. 269051 (G.T., F.R.)
Correspondence to: Marica Garziera, PhD, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy. mgarziera@cro.it
Telephone: +39-434-659816 Fax: +39-434-659799
Received: October 25, 2013
Revised: January 22, 2014
Accepted: February 26, 2014
Published online: April 14, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis is strictly associated with the immune contexture of tumor microenvironment. IS improves prognostic prediction in CRC. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) through its direct inhibitory functions on NK cells and cytotoxic T and B lymphocytes represents a crucial tumor-driven immune escape molecule. This review highlights the current knowledge on HLA-G in CRC and in related inflammatory diseases. HLA-G genetic setting and circulating/soluble profiles need to be defined to comprehend CRC strategies to avoid host immune defences. We suggest that HLA G could represent a novel prognostic immune biomarker to associate with the Immune Score to better characterize host immune response in CRC.