Somatic‑Immune Cells Crosstalk In‑The‑Making of Testicular Immune Privilege
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Date
2021
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Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Immunological infertility contributes significantly to the etiology of idiopathic male infertility. Shielding the spermatogenic
cells from systemic immune responses is fundamental to secure normal production of spermatozoa. The body’s immune
system is tuned with the host self-components since the early postnatal period, while sperm first develops during puberty,
thus rendering spermatogenic proteins as ‘non-self’ or ‘antigenic.’ Development of antibodies to these antigens elicits
autoimmune responses affecting sperm motility, functions, and fertility. Therefore, the testes need to establish a specialized
immune-privileged microenvironment to protect the allogenic germ cells by orchestration of various testicular cells and
resident immune cells. This is achieved through sequestration of antigenic germ cells by blood–testis barrier and actions
of various endocrine, paracrine, immune-suppressive, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. The various mechanisms are
very complex and need conceptual integration to disclose the exact physiological scenario, and to facilitate detection and
management of immunogenic infertility caused by disruption of testicular immune regulation. The present review aims to
(a) discuss the components of testicular immune privilege; (b) explain testicular somatic and immune cell interactions in
establishing and maintaining the testicular immune micro-environment; and (c) illustrate the integration of multiple mechanisms
involved in the control of immune privilege of the testis.
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Keywords
Spermatogenesis, Immunosuppression, Blood-testis barrier, Testicular immune privilege
Citation
Dutta, Sulagna & Sandhu, Narpal & Sengupta, Pallav & Alves, Marco & Henkel, Ralf & Agarwal, Ashok. (2021). Somatic-Immune Cells Crosstalk In-The-Making of Testicular Immune Privilege. Reproductive Sciences. 10.1007/s43032-021-00721-0.