Spermatozoa are comprised of many unique proteins not expressed elsewhere. Sperm-specific proteins are first expressed at puberty, after the development of immune tolerance to self-antigens, and have been assumed to remain confined inside the seminiferous tubules, protected from immune cell recognition by various mechanisms of testicular immune privilege. However, new data has shown that sperm-specific proteins are released by the tubules into the surrounding interstitial fluid; from here they can contact immune cells, potentially promote immune tolerance, and enter the circulation. These new findings have clinical implications for diagnostics and therapeutics targeted at a specific class of proteins known as cancer-testis antigens (CTA), the opportunity to identify new communication pathways in the testis, and to discover new ways to monitor testis function.
Current opinion in cell biology. 2022 Jun 04 [Epub ahead of print]
Liza O'Donnell, Lee B Smith, Diane Rebourcet
College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: ., College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, 4222, Queensland, Australia., College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.