HLA-G transgenic mice

We have generated a number of transgenic mice using DNA segments derived fr om the HLA-G gene. Using these mice we have examined the pattern of express ion dictated by HLA-G promoter elements in mice and shown that HLA-G functi ons both as a restriction element and a transplantation antigen recognized by murine T cells. In addition, we have shown that trophoblast cells expres sing H-2K(b) under the control of HLA-G promoter elements affect maternal T cell phenotype and responsiveness during pregnancy. Using these same HLA-G /H-2K(b) transgenic mice we have shown that trophoblast cells, expressing a n inducible enzyme that degrades tryptophan, protects allogeneic conceptus expressing paternally-inherited transgenes from attack by maternal T cells that leads to fetal rejection. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All r ights reserved.