Journal of Inflammation (Jun 2010)

The role of Qa-2, the functional homolog of HLA-G, in a Behcet's disease-like mouse model induced by the herpes virus simplex

  • Park Kyung,
  • Shim Ju A,
  • Kwon Hyuk,
  • Choi Bunsoon,
  • Lee Meeyoung,
  • Lee Eun-So,
  • Sohn Seonghyang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-9255-7-31
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
p. 31

Abstract

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Abstract Background It has been suggested that the HLA-G molecule is a genetic risk factor for Behcet's disease (BD). In this study, we evaluated the level of Qa-2, a murine nonclassical class I MHC molecule and possible functional homolog of HLA-G, to determine if it was associated with various symptoms of BD-like mice. In addition, we investigated siRNA (small interfering RNA) treatment to determine if it inhibited Qa-2 expression, thereby changing the symptoms of mice. Methods RNA interference (RNAi) and vector transfection were employed to manipulate gene expression in vivo in mice. siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Qa-2 expression vector was applied to inhibit or up-regulate Qa-2 expression, respectively. Results The Qa-2 levels in granulocytes were lower in BD-like mice than in normal controls. The silencing of Qa-2 by intravenous injection of siRNA (500 nmol/mouse, 4 times at 3-day intervals) specifically reduced the Qa-2 levels and worsened the BD-like symptoms. Conclusions Silencing Qa-2 by injecting siRNA into mice resulted in deterioration of symptoms in BD-like mice.