Biomaterial Database

Immunological, paracrine and endocrine aspects of testicular immune privilege. 2011

Andreas Meinhardt, and Mark P Hedger

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385 Giessen, Germany. andreas.meinhardt@anatomie.med.uni-giessen.de

Protection of the spermatogenic cells from the host immune response is fundamental to male fertility. Significantly, this protection extends to the tolerance of foreign tissue grafts placed within the testicular environment, a phenomenon that is called 'immune privilege'. This privilege of the testis appears to involve several levels of immune control, encompassing the normal mechanisms of immune tolerance, antigen sequestration behind the blood-testis barrier, reduced immune activation, localised immunosuppression and antigen-specific immunoregulation. Central to these regulatory processes are the somatic cells of the testis, particularly the Sertoli cells, and testicular secretions, including androgens, cytokines, peptides and bioactive lipids. Failure of these protective mechanisms, which may be precipitated by trauma, inflammation or infection, or as the consequence of genetic factors, can lead to androgen deficiency, infertility and autoimmunity.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007113	Immunity, Innate	The capacity of a normal organism to remain unaffected by microorganisms and their toxins. It results from the presence of naturally occurring ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS, constitutional factors such as BODY TEMPERATURE and immediate acting immune cells such as NATURAL KILLER CELLS.	Immunity, Native,Immunity, Natural,Immunity, Non-Specific,Resistance, Natural,Innate Immune Response,Innate Immunity,Immune Response, Innate,Immune Responses, Innate,Immunity, Non Specific,Innate Immune Responses,Native Immunity,Natural Immunity,Natural Resistance,Non-Specific Immunity
D008297	Male		Males
D011453	Prostaglandins	A group of compounds derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiological processes.	Prostaglandin,Prostanoid,Prostanoids
D001814	Blood-Testis Barrier	A specialized barrier, in the TESTIS, between the interstitial BLOOD compartment and the adluminal compartment of the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES. The barrier is formed by layers of cells from the VASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM of the capillary BLOOD VESSELS, to the SEMINIFEROUS EPITHELIUM of the seminiferous tubules. TIGHT JUNCTIONS form between adjacent SERTOLI CELLS, as well as between the ENDOTHELIAL CELLS.	Testis-Blood Barrier,Barrier, Blood-Testis,Barrier, Testis-Blood,Barriers, Blood-Testis,Barriers, Testis-Blood,Blood Testis Barrier,Blood-Testis Barriers,Testis Blood Barrier,Testis-Blood Barriers
D006681	HLA-D Antigens	Human immune-response or Class II antigens found mainly, but not exclusively, on B-lymphocytes and produced from genes of the HLA-D locus. They are extremely polymorphic families of glycopeptides, each consisting of two chains, alpha and beta. This group of antigens includes the -DR, -DQ and -DP designations, of which HLA-DR is most studied; some of these glycoproteins are associated with certain diseases, possibly of immune etiology.	Antigens, HLA-D,Class II Human Antigens,HLA-Dw Antigens,Human Class II Antigens,Ia-Like Antigens, Human,Immune Response-Associated Antigens, Human,Immune-Associated Antigens, Human,Immune-Response Antigens, Human,HLA-D,HLA-Dw,Immune Response Associated Antigens, Human,Antigens, HLA D,Antigens, HLA-Dw,Antigens, Human Ia-Like,Antigens, Human Immune-Associated,Antigens, Human Immune-Response,HLA D Antigens,HLA Dw Antigens,Human Ia-Like Antigens,Human Immune-Associated Antigens,Human Immune-Response Antigens,Ia Like Antigens, Human,Immune Associated Antigens, Human,Immune Response Antigens, Human
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000728	Androgens	Compounds that interact with ANDROGEN RECEPTORS in target tissues to bring about the effects similar to those of TESTOSTERONE. Depending on the target tissues, androgenic effects can be on SEX DIFFERENTIATION; male reproductive organs, SPERMATOGENESIS; secondary male SEX CHARACTERISTICS; LIBIDO; development of muscle mass, strength, and power.	Androgen,Androgen Receptor Agonist,Androgen Effect,Androgen Effects,Androgen Receptor Agonists,Androgenic Agents,Androgenic Compounds,Agents, Androgenic,Agonist, Androgen Receptor,Agonists, Androgen Receptor,Compounds, Androgenic,Effect, Androgen,Effects, Androgen,Receptor Agonist, Androgen,Receptor Agonists, Androgen
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001424	Bacterial Infections	Infections by bacteria, general or unspecified.	Bacterial Disease,Bacterial Infection,Infection, Bacterial,Infections, Bacterial,Bacterial Diseases
D012708	Sertoli Cells	Supporting cells projecting inward from the basement membrane of SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES. They surround and nourish the developing male germ cells and secrete the ANDROGEN-BINDING PROTEIN and hormones such as ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE. The tight junctions of Sertoli cells with the SPERMATOGONIA and SPERMATOCYTES provide a BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER.	Sertoli Cell,Cell, Sertoli,Cells, Sertoli