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. 2012 Jun 11:3:152.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00152. eCollection 2012.

Structural, cellular and molecular aspects of immune privilege in the testis

Nan Li  1 , Tao Wang, Daishu Han
Affiliations

Structural, cellular and molecular aspects of immune privilege in the testis

Nan Li et al. Front Immunol. .

Abstract

The testis presents a special immunological environment, considering its property of immune privilege that tolerates allo- and auto-antigens. Testicular immune privilege was once believed to be mainly based on the sequestration of antigens from the immune system by the blood-testis barrier in the seminiferous epithelium. Substantial evidence supports the view that the combination of physical structure, testicular cells, and cytokines controls immune responses in the testis to preserve the structural and functional integrity of testicular immune privilege. Both systemic immune tolerance and local immunosuppression help maintain the immune privilege status. Constitutive expression of anti-inflammatory factors in testicular cells is critical for local immunosuppression. However, the testis locally generates an efficient innate immune system against pathogens. Disruption of these mechanisms may lead to orchitis and impair fertility. This review article highlights the current understanding of structural, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying the unique immune environment of the testis, particularly its immune privilege status.

Keywords: Sertoli cell; immune privilege; testis.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
A schematic drawing of micrographs of mammalian testicular structure and cells. (A) The testis consists of two distinct regions, namely, seminiferous tubules and interstitial compartments. (B) Within the seminiferous tubules, the different stages of developing germ cells are in intimate association with Sertoli cells, forming the seminiferous epithelium. The blood–testis barrier is formed by junctions between neighboring Sertoli cells near the basement membrane. (C) Amplification of the interstitial compartment shows cell types. Leydig cells (Lc) are majority of the interstitial cells. There are various types of immune cells including mainly macrophages (Mφ) and minor dendritic cells (DC), T lymphocytes (T) and mast cells (MC). The blood vessels (BV) exist in the interstitial compartment.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
A schematic drawing illustrating intercellular communication via paracrine immunosuppressive molecules that favor immune privilege in the testis. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), androgens and germ cell antigens, Sertoli cells secrete immunosuppressive molecules that inhibit inflammatory responses of macrophages and T lymphocytes (T) in the interstitial compartments. Sertoli, Leydig cells and macrophages regulate activities of the other immune cells including dendritic cells (DC), T and mast cells (MC) via paracrine immunosuppressive molecules, favoring testicular immune privilege property.
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