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Chiappalupi S, Salvadori L, Borghi M, Mancuso F, Pariano M, Riuzzi F, Luca G, Romani L, Arato I, Sorci G. Grafted Sertoli Cells Exert Immunomodulatory Non-Immunosuppressive Effects in Preclinical Models of Infection and Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:544. [PMID: 38534388 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sertoli cells (SeCs) of the seminiferous tubules secrete a multitude of immunoregulatory and trophic factors to provide immune protection and assist in the orderly development of germ cells. Grafts of naked or encapsulated SeCs have been proved to represent an interesting therapeutic option in a plethora of experimental models of diseases. However, whether SeCs have immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory effects, which is imperative for their clinical translatability, has not been demonstrated. We directly assessed the immunopotential of intraperitoneally grafted microencapsulated porcine SeCs (MC-SeCs) in murine models of fungal infection (Aspergillus fumigatus or Candida albicans) or cancer (Lewis lung carcinoma/LLC or B16 melanoma cells). We found that MC-SeCs (i) provide antifungal resistance with minimum inflammatory pathology through the activation of the tolerogenic aryl hydrocarbon receptor/indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase pathway; (ii) do not affect tumor growth in vivo; and (iii) reduce the LLC cell metastatic cancer spread associated with restricted Vegfr2 expression in primary tumors. Our results point to the fine immunoregulation of SeCs in the relative absence of overt immunosuppression in both infection and cancer conditions, providing additional support for the potential therapeutic use of SeC grafts in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Monica Borghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Riuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (CURGeF), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (CURGeF), 06132 Perugia, Italy
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Mehranpour M, Sani M, Beirami A, Hasanzadeh M, Taghizadeh M, Banihashemi M, Moghaddam MH, Fathi M, Vakili K, Yaghoobpoor S, Eskandari N, Abdollahifar MA, Bayat AH, Aliaghaei A, Heidari MH. Grafted Sertoli cells prevent neuronal cell death and memory loss induced by seizures. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2735-2750. [PMID: 37851137 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy significantly reduces the patient's quality of life, and we still need to develop new therapeutic approaches to control it. Transplantation of cells such as Sertoli cells (SCs), having a potent ability to release a variety of growth and immunoprotective substances, have made them a potential candidate to deal with neurological diseases like epilepsy. Hence, this study aims to evaluate whether SCs transplant effectively protects the hippocampus astrocytes and neurons to oppose seizure damage. For this purpose, the effects of bilateral intrahippocampal transplantation of SCs were investigated on the rats with the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizure. After one-month, post-graft analysis was performed regarding behavior, immunohistopathology, and the distribution of the hippocampal cells. Our findings showed SCs transplantation reduced astrogliosis, astrocytes process length, the number of branches, and intersections distal to the soma of the hippocampus in the seizure group. In rats with grafted SCs, there was a drop in the hippocampal caspase-3 expression. Moreover, the SCs showed another protective impact, as shown by an improvement in pyramidal neurons' number and spatial distribution. The findings suggested that SCs transplantation can potently modify astrocytes' reactivation and inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mehranpour
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sani
- Department of Educational Neuroscience, Aras International Campus, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirreza Beirami
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maral Hasanzadeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghizadeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Banihashemi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Hassani Moghaddam
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Yaghoobpoor
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Eskandari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossein Bayat
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Sciences and Advanced Technology in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abbas Aliaghaei
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossain Heidari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. A review on immunological aspects in male reproduction: An immune cells and cytokines. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103984. [PMID: 37390629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system, particularly the male gamete, offers a unique barrier to the immune system. The growing germ cells in the testis need to be shielded from autoimmune damage. Hence the testis has to establish and sustain an immune-privileged milieu. Sertoli cells create this safe space, protected by the blood-testis barrier. Cytokines are a type of immune reaction that can positively and negatively affect male reproductive health. Inflammation, disease, and obesity are just a few physiological conditions for which cytokines mediate signals. They interact with steroidogenesis, shaping the adrenals and testes to produce the hormones needed for survival. In particular pathological condition, including autoimmune disorders, contains high levels of the same cytokines in semen that play an essential role in the immunomodulation of the male gonad. This review focuses on understanding the immunological role of cytokines in the control and development of male reproduction. Also, in maintaining male reproductive health and diseases linked with their aberrant function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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Tan WLA, Neto LRP, Reverter A, McGowan M, Fortes MRS. Sequence level genome-wide associations for bull production and fertility traits in tropically adapted bulls. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:365. [PMID: 37386436 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetics of male fertility is complex and not fully understood. Male subfertility can adversely affect the economics of livestock production. For example, inadvertently mating bulls with poor fertility can result in reduced annual liveweight production and suboptimal husbandry management. Fertility traits, such as scrotal circumference and semen quality are commonly used to select bulls before mating and can be targeted in genomic studies. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association analyses using sequence-level data targeting seven bull production and fertility traits measured in a multi-breed population of 6,422 tropically adapted bulls. The beef bull production and fertility traits included body weight (Weight), body condition score (CS), scrotal circumference (SC), sheath score (Sheath), percentage of normal spermatozoa (PNS), percentage of spermatozoa with mid-piece abnormalities (MP) and percentage of spermatozoa with proximal droplets (PD). RESULTS After quality control, 13,398,171 polymorphisms were tested for their associations with each trait in a mixed-model approach, fitting a multi-breed genomic relationship matrix. A Bonferroni genome-wide significance threshold of 5 × 10- 8 was imposed. This effort led to identifying genetic variants and candidate genes underpinning bull fertility and production traits. Genetic variants in Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 5 were associated with SC, Sheath, PNS, PD and MP. Whereas chromosome X was significant for SC, PNS, and PD. The traits we studied are highly polygenic and had significant results across the genome (BTA 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 28, and 29). We also highlighted potential high-impact variants and candidate genes associated with Scrotal Circumference (SC) and Sheath Score (Sheath), which warrants further investigation in future studies. CONCLUSION The work presented here is a step closer to identifying molecular mechanisms that underpin bull fertility and production. Our work also emphasises the importance of including the X chromosome in genomic analyses. Future research aims to investigate potential causative variants and genes in downstream analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang Andre Tan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Chemistry Bld, 68 Cooper Rd, Brisbane City, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | | | - Antonio Reverter
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Michael McGowan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Marina Rufino Salinas Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Chemistry Bld, 68 Cooper Rd, Brisbane City, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Zhang MF, Wan SC, Chen WB, Yang DH, Liu WQ, Li BL, Aierken A, Du XM, Li YX, Wu WP, Yang XC, Wei YD, Li N, Peng S, Li XL, Li GP, Hua JL. Transcription factor Dmrt1 triggers the SPRY1-NF-κB pathway to maintain testicular immune homeostasis and male fertility. Zool Res 2023; 44:505-521. [PMID: 37070575 PMCID: PMC10236308 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial or viral infections, such as Brucella, mumps virus, herpes simplex virus, and Zika virus, destroy immune homeostasis of the testes, leading to spermatogenesis disorder and infertility. Of note, recent research shows that SARS-CoV-2 can infect male gonads and destroy Sertoli and Leydig cells, leading to male reproductive dysfunction. Due to the many side effects associated with antibiotic therapy, finding alternative treatments for inflammatory injury remains critical. Here, we found that Dmrt1 plays an important role in regulating testicular immune homeostasis. Knockdown of Dmrt1 in male mice inhibited spermatogenesis with a broad inflammatory response in seminiferous tubules and led to the loss of spermatogenic epithelial cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that Dmrt1 positively regulated the expression of Spry1, an inhibitory protein of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analysis indicated that SPRY1 binds to nuclear factor kappa B1 (NF-κB1) to prevent nuclear translocation of p65, inhibit activation of NF-κB signaling, prevent excessive inflammatory reaction in the testis, and protect the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. In view of this newly identified Dmrt1- Spry1-NF-κB axis mechanism in the regulation of testicular immune homeostasis, our study opens new avenues for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive diseases in humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Fei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shi-Cheng Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Bo Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Dong-Hui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam 1105AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ba-Lun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Aili Aierken
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiao-Min Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yun-Xiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wen-Ping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xin-Chun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yu-Dong Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xue-Ling Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Guang-Peng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Jin-Lian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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Washburn RL, Dufour JM. Complementing Testicular Immune Regulation: The Relationship between Sertoli Cells, Complement, and the Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043371. [PMID: 36834786 PMCID: PMC9965741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells within the testis are instrumental in providing an environment for spermatogenesis and protecting the developing germ cells from detrimental immune responses which could affect fertility. Though these immune responses consist of many immune processes, this review focuses on the understudied complement system. Complement consists of 50+ proteins including regulatory proteins, immune receptors, and a cascade of proteolytic cleavages resulting in target cell destruction. In the testis, Sertoli cells protect the germ cells from autoimmune destruction by creating an immunoregulatory environment. Most studies on Sertoli cells and complement have been conducted in transplantation models, which are effective in studying immune regulation during robust rejection responses. In grafts, Sertoli cells survive activated complement, have decreased deposition of complement fragments, and express many complement inhibitors. Moreover, the grafts have delayed infiltration of immune cells and contain increased infiltration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells as compared to rejecting grafts. Additionally, anti-sperm antibodies and lymphocyte infiltration have been detected in up to 50% and 30% of infertile testes, respectively. This review seeks to provide an updated overview of the complement system, describe its relationship with immune cells, and explain how Sertoli cells may regulate complement in immunoprotection. Identifying the mechanism Sertoli cells use to protect themselves and germ cells against complement and immune destruction is relevant for male reproduction, autoimmunity, and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA
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Immunoregulatory Sertoli Cell Allografts Engineered to Express Human Insulin Survive Humoral-Mediated Rejection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415894. [PMID: 36555540 PMCID: PMC9780793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective treatment and possible cure for type 1 diabetes is transplantation of pancreatic islets. Unfortunately, transplanted islets are rejected by the immune system with humoral-mediated responses being an important part of rejection. Sertoli cells (SC), an immune regulatory cell shown to survive as allografts long-term without immunosuppressants, have the potential to be used as a cell-based gene therapy vehicle to deliver endogenous insulin-a possible alternative to islets. Previously, we transduced a mouse SC line to produce human insulin. After transplantation into diabetic mice, these cells consistently produced low levels of insulin with graft survival of 75% at 50 days post-transplantation. The object of this study was to assess humoral immune regulation by these engineered SC. Both nontransduced and transduced SC survived exposure to human serum with complement in vitro. Analysis of allografts in vivo at 20 and 50 days post-transplantation revealed that despite IgG antibody detection, complement factor deposition was low and grafts survived through 50 days post-transplantation. Furthermore, the transduced SC secreted elevated levels of the complement inhibitor C1q binding protein. Overall, this suggests SC genetically engineered to express insulin maintain their ability to prevent complement-mediated killing. Since inhibiting complement-mediated rejection is important for graft survival, further studies of how SC modifies the immune response could be utilized to advance the use of genetically engineered SC or to prolong islet allograft survival to improve the treatment of diabetes.
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Mouse Sertoli Cells Inhibit Humoral-Based Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112760. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation is used to treat many different diseases; however, without the use of immunosuppressants, which can be toxic to the patient, grafted tissue is rejected by the immune system. Humoral immune responses, particularly antibodies and complement, are significant components in rejection. Remarkably, Sertoli cells (SCs), immunoregulatory testicular cells, survive long-term after transplantation without immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to assess SC regulation of these humoral-based immune factors. Mouse SCs survived in vitro human complement (model of robust complement-mediated rejection) and survived in vivo as allografts with little-to-no antibody or complement fragment deposition. Microarray data and ELISA analyses identified at least 14 complement inhibitory proteins expressed by mouse SCs, which inhibit complement at multiple points. Interestingly, a mouse SC line (MSC-1), which was rejected by day 20 post transplantation, also survived in vitro human complement, showed limited deposition of antibodies and complement, and expressed complement inhibitors. Together this suggests that SC inhibition of complement-mediated killing is an important component of SC immune regulation. However, other mechanisms of SC immune modulation are also likely involved in SC graft survival. Identifying the mechanisms that SCs use to achieve extended survival as allografts could be utilized to improve graft survival.
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Wang Y, Pan Y, Wang M, Afedo SY, Zhao L, Han X, Liu M, Zhao T, Zhang T, Ding T, Wang J, Cui Y, Yu S. Transcriptome sequencing reveals differences between leydig cells and sertoli cells of yak. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:960250. [PMID: 36090173 PMCID: PMC9449347 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.960250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we detected the expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in primary cultured leydig cells (LCs) and sertoli cells (SCs) of yak by RNA sequencing technology. A total of 84 differently expression mRNAs (DEmRNAs) (LCs vs. SCs: 15 up and 69 down), 172 differently expression lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) (LCs vs. SCs: 36 up and 136 down), and 90 differently expression miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) (LCs vs. SCs: 72 up and 18 down) were obtained between the two types of cells. GO enrichment and KEGG analysis indicated that the differential expression genes (DEGs) were more enriched in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, Rap1/MAPK signaling pathway, steroid biosynthesis, focal adhesion, and pathways associated with metabolism. Targeted regulation relationship pairs of 3β-HSD and MSTRG.54630.1, CNTLN and MSTRG.19058.1, BRCA2 and MSTRG.28299.4, CA2 and novel-miR-148, and ceRNA network of LAMC3-MSTRG.68870.1- bta-miR-7862/novel-miR-151/novel-miR-148 were constructed by Cytoscape software. In conclusion, the differences between LCs and SCs were mainly reflected in steroid hormone synthesis, cell proliferation and metabolism, and blood-testicular barrier (BTB) dynamic regulation, and 3β-HSD, CNTLN, BRCA2, CA2, and LAMC3 may be the key factors causing these differences, which may be regulated by ncRNAs. This study provides a basic direction for exploring the differential regulation of LCs and SCs by ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Seth Yaw Afedo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tongxiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Sijiu Yu
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10
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Washburn RL, Hibler T, Kaur G, Dufour JM. Sertoli Cell Immune Regulation: A Double-Edged Sword. Front Immunol 2022; 13:913502. [PMID: 35757731 PMCID: PMC9218077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.913502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis must create and maintain an immune privileged environment to protect maturing germ cells from autoimmune destruction. The establishment of this protective environment is due, at least in part, to Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells line the seminiferous tubules and form the blood-testis barrier (BTB), a barrier between advanced germ cells and the immune system. The BTB compartmentalizes the germ cells and facilitates the appropriate microenvironment necessary for spermatogenesis. Further, Sertoli cells modulate innate and adaptive immune processes through production of immunoregulatory compounds. Sertoli cells, when transplanted ectopically (outside the testis), can also protect transplanted tissue from the recipient’s immune system and reduce immune complications in autoimmune diseases primarily by immune regulation. These properties make Sertoli cells an attractive candidate for inflammatory disease treatments and cell-based therapies. Conversely, the same properties that protect the germ cells also allow the testis to act as a reservoir site for infections. Interestingly, Sertoli cells also have the ability to mount an antimicrobial response, if necessary, as in the case of infections. This review aims to explore how Sertoli cells act as a double-edged sword to both protect germ cells from an autoimmune response and activate innate and adaptive immune responses to fight off infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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11
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Immune homeostasis and disorder in the testis —roles of Sertoli cells. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103625. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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12
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Vegrichtova M, Hajkova M, Porubska B, Vasek D, Krylov V, Tlapakova T, Krulova M. Xenogeneic Sertoli cells modulate immune response in an evolutionary distant mouse model through the production of interleukin-10 and PD-1 ligands expression. Xenotransplantation 2022; 29:e12742. [PMID: 35297099 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunomodulatory mechanisms of Sertoli cells (SCs) during phylogeny have not been described previously. This study attempted to reveal mechanisms of SC immune modulation in an evolutionary distant host. METHODS The interaction of the SC cell line derived from Xenopus tropicalis (XtSC) with murine immune cells was studied in vivo and in vitro. The changes in the cytokine production, the intracellular and surface molecules expression on murine immune cells were evaluated after co-culturing with XtSCs. Migration of XtSCs in mouse recipients after intravenous application and subsequent changes in spleen and the testicular immune environment were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS The in vitro co-culture model was established, allowing the study of XtSCs interaction with murine immune cells. Intracellular staining of interleukin (IL-)10 revealed a significant increase in its expression in macrophages and B cells co-cultured with XtSCs, compared to both unstimulated cells and xenogeneic control. On the contrary, a significant decrease in Th lymphocytes expressing interferon-gamma was observed. The expression of both PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) was upregulated on the macrophage surfaces after co-culture with XtSCs, but not with the controls. XtSCs migrated specifically to testes when administered intravenously and modulated systemic and local testicular microenvironment; this was detected by the expression of molecules associated with suppressive phenotype by CD45+ cells in both spleen and testes. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated for the first time that SCs can migrate and modulate immune response in a phylogenetically distant host. It was further observed that SCs induce expression of molecules associated with immunosuppression, such as IL-10 and PD-1 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Vegrichtova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Hajkova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Bianka Porubska
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Vasek
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Krylov
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Tlapakova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Krulova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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13
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Cdc42 activity in Sertoli cells is essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109885. [PMID: 34706238 PMCID: PMC8604081 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are highly polarized testicular supporting cells that simultaneously nurture multiple stages of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Proper localization of polarity protein complexes within Sertoli cells, including those responsible for blood-testis barrier formation, is vital for spermatogenesis. However, the mechanisms and developmental timing that underlie Sertoli cell polarity are poorly understood. We investigate this aspect of testicular function by conditionally deleting Cdc42, encoding a Rho GTPase involved in regulating cell polarity, specifically in Sertoli cells. Sertoli Cdc42 deletion leads to increased apoptosis and disrupted polarity of juvenile and adult testes but does not affect fetal and postnatal testicular development. The onset of the first wave of spermatogenesis occurs normally, but it fails to progress past round spermatid stages, and by young adulthood, conditional knockout males exhibit a complete loss of spermatogenic cells. These findings demonstrate that Cdc42 is essential for Sertoli cell polarity and for maintaining steady-state sperm production. Sertoli cells of the testicular seminiferous tubule must be highly polarized to simultaneously sustain multiple stages of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Heinrich et al. use a Sertoli-specific conditional deletion mouse model to address the roles of CDC42-mediated apicobasal cell polarity in promoting testis development and spermatogenesis.
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14
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Dutta S, Sandhu N, Sengupta P, Alves MG, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Somatic-Immune Cells Crosstalk In-The-Making of Testicular Immune Privilege. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2707-2718. [PMID: 34580844 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor , Malaysia
| | - Narpal Sandhu
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor , Malaysia
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Mail Code X-11, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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15
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Ye L, Huang W, Liu S, Cai S, Hong L, Xiao W, Thiele K, Zeng Y, Song M, Diao L. Impacts of Immunometabolism on Male Reproduction. Front Immunol 2021; 12:658432. [PMID: 34367130 PMCID: PMC8334851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.658432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological process of male reproduction relies on the orchestration of neuroendocrine, immune, and energy metabolism. Spermatogenesis is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, which modulates the production of gonadal steroid hormones in the testes. The immune cells and cytokines in testes provide a protective microenvironment for the development and maturation of germ cells. The metabolic cellular responses and processes in testes provide energy production and biosynthetic precursors to regulate germ cell development and control testicular immunity and inflammation. The metabolism of immune cells is crucial for both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, which supposes to affect the spermatogenesis in testes. In this review, the role of immunometabolism in male reproduction will be highlighted. Obesity, metabolic dysfunction, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, are well documented to impact male fertility; thus, their impacts on the immune cells distributed in testes will also be discussed. Finally, the potential significance of the medicine targeting the specific metabolic intermediates or immune metabolism checkpoints to improve male reproduction will also be reassessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wensi Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Songchen Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiqiang Xiao
- Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingzhe Song
- Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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16
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Kaur G, Wright K, Mital P, Hibler T, Miranda JM, Thompson LA, Halley K, Dufour JM. Neonatal Pig Sertoli Cells Survive Xenotransplantation by Creating an Immune Modulatory Environment Involving CD4 and CD8 Regulatory T Cells. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720947102. [PMID: 32841048 PMCID: PMC7564626 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720947102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The acute cell-mediated immune response presents a significant barrier to
xenotransplantation. Immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SC) can prolong the
survival of co-transplanted cells including xenogeneic islets, hepatocytes, and
neurons by protecting them from immune rejection. Additionally, SC survive as
allo- and xenografts without the use of any immunosuppressive drugs suggesting
elucidating the survival mechanism(s) of SC could be used to improve survival of
xenografts. In this study, the survival and immune response generated toward
neonatal pig SC (NPSC) or neonatal pig islets (NPI), nonimmune-privileged
controls, was compared after xenotransplantation into naïve Lewis rats without
immune suppression. The NPSC survived throughout the study, while NPI were
rejected within 9 days. Analysis of the grafts revealed that macrophages and T
cells were the main immune cells infiltrating the NPSC and NPI grafts. Further
characterization of the T cells within the grafts indicated that the NPSC grafts
contained significantly more cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and cluster of
differentiation 8 (CD8) regulatory T cells (Tregs) at early time points than the
NPI grafts. Additionally, the presence of increased amounts of interleukin 10
(IL-10) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β and decreased levels of tumor
necrosis factor (TNF) α and apoptosis in the NPSC grafts compared to NPI grafts
suggests the presence of regulatory immune cells in the NPSC grafts. The NPSC
expressed several immunoregulatory factors such as TGFβ, thrombospondin-1
(THBS1), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase, and galectin-1, which could
promote the recruitment of these regulatory immune cells to the NPSC grafts. In
contrast, NPI grafts had fewer Tregs and increased apoptosis and inflammation
(increased TNFα, decreased IL-10 and TGFβ) suggestive of cytotoxic immune cells
that contribute to their early rejection. Collectively, our data suggest that a
regulatory graft environment with regulatory immune cells including CD4 and
CD8 Tregs in NPSC grafts could be attributed to the prolonged survival of the
NPSC xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Medical Education, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kandis Wright
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Payal Mital
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan M Miranda
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Lea Ann Thompson
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Katelyn Halley
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Medical Education, 12343Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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17
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Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 regulates the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier by promoting the expression of tight junction proteins. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:847. [PMID: 34149893 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are an important component of spermatogenic tubules. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is composed of SCs and is necessary for the development and maturity of spermatogenic cells. When the tight connection between SCs is destroyed, the BTB loses its integrity, leading to impaired spermatogenesis. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a key protein involved in precursor mRNA splicing and selective splicing events, which directly affects tumor cell proliferation and influences the formation of the blood-tumor barrier by regulating the expression levels of tight junction-associated proteins. The present study revealed that the expression of PTBP1 was downregulated following a decrease in spermatogenic activity at the phase of senescence. TM4 cells were transfected with lentivirus-short hairpinRNA-PTBP1 to evaluate the effect of silencing PTBP1 on the expression levels of tight junction proteins and the integrity of tight junctions between adjacent SCs. Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of Zonula occludens 1, occludin and claudin-5 decreased significantly due to silencing of PTBP1 in SCs. Through detecting trans-epithelial electrical resistance, it was revealed that silencing of PTBP1 broke the integrity of tight junctions between adjacent SCs. The results suggested that PTBP1 maintained the integrity of the BTB by promoting the expression levels of tight junction-associated proteins and revealed the possible mechanism of PTBP1 in regulating spermatogenesis.
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18
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Kaur G, Wright K, Verma S, Haynes A, Dufour JM. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Testicular Immune Regulation: A Delicate Balance Between Immune Function and Immune Privilege. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:21-47. [PMID: 34453730 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The testis is one of several immune privilege sites. These sites are necessary to decrease inflammation and immune responses that could be damaging to the host. For example, inflammation in the brain, eye or placenta could result in loss of cognitive function, vision or rejection of the semi-allogeneic fetus, respectively. In the testis, immune privilege is "good" as it is necessary for protection of the developing auto-immunogenic germ cells. However, there is also a downside or "bad" part of immune privilege, where pathogens and cancers can take advantage of this privilege and persist in the testis as a sanctuary site. Even worse, the "ugly" of privilege is how re-emerging viruses, such as Ebola and Zika viruses, can establish persistence in the testes and be sexually transmitted even months after they have been cleared from the bloodstream. In this review, we will discuss the delicate balance within the testis that provides immune privilege to protect the germ cells while still allowing for immune function to fight off pathogens and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kandis Wright
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Saguna Verma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Allan Haynes
- Department of Urology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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19
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Gong J, Zeng Q, Yu D, Duan YG. T Lymphocytes and Testicular Immunity: A New Insight into Immune Regulation in Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010057. [PMID: 33374605 PMCID: PMC7793097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune privilege of the testes is necessary to prevent immune attacks to gamete-specific antigens and paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, allowing for normal spermatogenesis. However, infection and inflammation of the male genital tract can break the immune tolerance and represent a significant cause of male infertility. Different T cell subsets have been identified in mammalian testes, which may be involved in the maintenance of immune tolerance and pathogenic immune responses in testicular infection and inflammation. We reviewed the evidence in the published literature on different T subtypes (regulatory T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and natural killer T cells) in human and animal testes that support their regulatory roles in infertility and the orchitis pathology. While many in vitro studies have indicated the regulation potential of functional T cell subsets and their possible interaction with Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatogenesis, both under physiological and pathological processes, there have been no in situ studies to date. Nevertheless, the normal distribution and function of T cell subsets are essential for the immune privilege of the testes and intact spermatogenesis, and T cell-mediated immune response drives testicular inflammation. The distinct function of different T cell subsets in testicular homeostasis and the orchitis pathology suggests a considerable potential of targeting specific T cell subsets for therapies targeting chronic orchitis and immune infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Gong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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20
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Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Pang MG. Bisphenols Threaten Male Reproductive Health via Testicular Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:624. [PMID: 33042007 PMCID: PMC7518410 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive function and health are largely dependent on the testes, which are strictly regulated by their major cell components, i. e., Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells. Sertoli cells perform a crucial phagocytic function in addition to supporting the development of germ cells. Leydig cells produce hormones essential for male reproductive function, and germ cell quality is a key parameter for male fertility assessment. However, these cells have been identified as primary targets of endocrine disruptors, including bisphenols. Bisphenols are a category of man-made organic chemicals used to manufacture plastics, epoxy resins, and personal care products such as lipsticks, face makeup, and nail lacquers. Despite long-term uncertainty regarding their safety, bisphenols are still being used worldwide, especially bisphenol A. While considerable attention has been paid to the effects of bisphenols on health, current bisphenol-related reproductive health cases indicate that greater attention should be given to these chemicals. Bisphenols, especially bisphenol A, F, and S, have been reported to elicit various effects on testicular cells, including apoptosis, DNA damage, disruption of intercommunication among cells, mitochondrial damage, disruption of tight junctions, and arrest of proliferation, which threaten male reproductive health. In addition, bisphenols are xenoestrogens, which alter organs and cells functions via agonistic or antagonistic interplay with hormone receptors. In this review, we provide in utero, in vivo, and in vitro evidence that currently available brands of bisphenols impair male reproductive health through their action on testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
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21
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Chen X, Zheng Y, Li X, Gao Q, Feng T, Zhang P, Liao M, Tian X, Lu H, Zeng W. Profiling of miRNAs in porcine Sertoli cells. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:85. [PMID: 32821380 PMCID: PMC7429792 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00487-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sertoli cells (SCs) create a specialized environment to support and dictate spermatogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a kind of ~ 22 nt small noncoding RNAs, have been reported to be highly abundant in mouse SCs and play critical roles in spermatogenesis. However, the miRNAs of porcine SCs remain largely unknown. Methods We isolated porcine SCs and conducted small RNA sequencing. By comparing miRNAs in germ cells, we systematically analyzed the miRNA expression pattern of porcine SCs. We screened the highly enriched SC miRNAs and predicted their functions by Gene Ontology analysis. The dual luciferase assay was used to elucidate the regulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) by ssc-miR-149. Results The analysis showed that 18 miRNAs were highly expressed in SCs and 15 miRNAs were highly expressed in germ cells. These miRNAs were predicted to mediate SC and germ cell functions. In addition, ssc-miR-149 played critical roles in SCs by targeting TRAF3. Conclusion Our findings provide novel insights into the miRNA expression pattern and their regulatory roles of porcine SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001 China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Xueliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Tongying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Mingzhi Liao
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiu'e Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Hongzhao Lu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001 China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
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22
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Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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Bryan ER, Kim J, Beagley KW, Carey AJ. Testicular inflammation and infertility: Could chlamydial infections be contributing? Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13286. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Bryan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Jay Kim
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Kenneth W. Beagley
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Alison J. Carey
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Qld Australia
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Arato I, Milardi D, Giovagnoli S, Grande G, Bellucci C, Lilli C, Bartoli S, Corneli S, Mazzone P, Calvitti M, Baroni T, Calafiore R, Mancuso F, Luca G. In "Vitro" Lps-Stimulated Sertoli Cells Pre-Loaded With Microparticles: Intracellular Activation Pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:611932. [PMID: 33488524 PMCID: PMC7817811 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.611932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SC) are immune privileged cells with the capacity of modulating the immune response by expressing several immune-regulatory factors. SC have the capacity to respond to external stimuli through innate phagocytic and antibacterial activities. This evidence evoked a potential role of SC as drug carriers and therapeutic agents. Such stimuli drive SC towards a still unknown evolution, the clinical relevance of which as yet remains undisclosed. This study sought to investigate the effects of external stimuli in the form of polymeric microparticles (MP) and bacteria derived endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), in order to identify the pathways potentially involved in cell phenotype modifications. Compared to single stimulation, when combined, MP and LPS provoked a significant increase in the gene expression of IDO, PD-L1, FAS-L, TLR-3, TLR-4, MHC-II, ICAM-1, TFGβ1, BDF123, BDF129, BDF3 and pEP2C. Western Blotting analysis demonstrated up-regulation of the ERK 1-2 and NF-kB p65 phosphorylation ratios. Our study, showing the exponential increase of these mediators upon combined MP and LPS stimulation, suggests a "switch" of SC function from typical cells of the blood-testicular barrier to nonprofessional tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells. Further studies should target the clinical and technological implications of such stimuli-induced SC transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Domenico Milardi
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- 2nd Department of Medicine, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Bartoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Corneli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Piera Mazzone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesca Mancuso,
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
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25
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Aliaghaei A, Meymand AZ, Boroujeni ME, Khodagoli F, Meftahi GH, Hadipour MM, Abdollahifar MA, Mesgar S, Ahmadi H, Danyali S, Hasani S, Sadeghi Y. Neuro-restorative effect of sertoli cell transplants in a rat model of amyloid beta toxicity. Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:158-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Savvulidi F, Ptacek M, Savvulidi Vargova K, Stadnik L. Manipulation of spermatogonial stem cells in livestock species. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2019; 10:46. [PMID: 31205688 PMCID: PMC6560896 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-019-0355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We are entering an exciting epoch in livestock biotechnology during which the fundamental approaches (such as transgenesis, spermatozoa cryopreservation and artificial insemination) will be enhanced based on the modern understanding of the biology of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) combined with the outstanding recent advances in genomic editing technologies and in vitro cell culture systems. The general aim of this review is to outline comprehensively the promising applications of SSC manipulation that could in the nearest future find practical application in livestock breeding. Here, we will focus on 1) the basics of mammalian SSC biology; 2) the approaches for SSC isolation and purification; 3) the available in vitro systems for the stable expansion of isolated SSCs; 4) a discussion of how the manipulation of SSCs can accelerate livestock transgenesis; 5) a thorough overview of the techniques of SSC transplantation in livestock species (including the preparation of recipients for SSC transplantation, the ultrasonographic-guided SSC transplantation technique in large farm animals, and the perspectives to improve further the SSC transplantation efficiency), and finally, 6) why SSC transplantation is valuable to extend the techniques of spermatozoa cryopreservation and/or artificial insemination. For situations where no reliable data have yet been obtained for a particular livestock species, we will rely on the data obtained from studies conducted in rodents because the knowledge gained from rodent research is translatable to livestock species to a great extent. On the other hand, we will draw special attention to situations where such translation is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipp Savvulidi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol Czech Republic
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, U Nemocnice 5, 128 53 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Ptacek
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol Czech Republic
| | - Karina Savvulidi Vargova
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, U Nemocnice 5, 128 53 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Stadnik
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol Czech Republic
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27
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Jacobo P. The role of regulatory T Cells in autoimmune orchitis. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13092. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jacobo
- Departmental and Institutional Affiliation, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
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28
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Cellular Targets and Receptor of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2018; 25:679-686. [PMID: 28968270 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the mechanism of sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV)? SUMMARY ANSWER By utilizing exquisite reverse transcriptase-initiated in situ polymerase chain reaction (RT-in situ PCR), which enables an improved visualization of spermatozoa's subcellular compartment, we precisely localized the mid-piece of sperm that carry receptors for ZIKV. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ZIKV is transmitted sexually and recent studies have verified ZIKV presence in semen of previously Zika-infected patients for >6-month postinfection when ZIKV had disappeared from blood, saliva, and urine. Strong serial analyses of various body fluids suggest that ZIKV can be transmitted between sexual partners. Currently, there is limited information on the association of the virus with human semen cell types that may carry the virus. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Analyses were carried out to localize ZIKV for subcellular localization of ZIKV on cell types. The Tyro3 receptor for ZIKV was colocalized by dual immunocytochemistry with specific monoclonal antibodies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Three semen specimens were purchased from a commercial sperm bank. Motile sperm was separated from nonmotile cells by the "swim-up" technique. Each of the semen fractions was infected with ZIKV at the multiplicity of infection of 0.1.0 and 1.0 and evaluated for the primary targets of ZIKV in the semen cells by RT-in situ PCR and confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE ZIKV was present primarily at the mid-piece of mature spermatozoa in about 30% of the sperm. In addition, we determined that Tyro3 receptors, primarily expressed on mid-piece of human spermatozoa, play a role in ZIKV-binding and entry into spermatozoa. Our data strongly suggest a potential sexual/horizontal route of transmission for ZIKV primarily via infected sperms; most likely ZIKV enters the sperm via the Tyro3 receptor found at the mid-piece of the mature spermatozoa. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We are uncertain as to what phase of spermatogenesis, that in human takes about 120 days, sperms are permissive to ZIKV. If permissiveness was very early during spermatogenesis males could be infectious for ∼120 days after the disappearance of viremia in an infected man. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings bring a new focus on the current affords to develop ZIKV vaccine. Why in the presence of anti-ZIKV antibodies infected men are still able to transmit the virus sexually? We suggest that only certain subclass of immunoglobulin (Ig)G (ie, IgG4) can cross the blood-Sertoli barrier therefore, a successful vaccine must provoke a subclass of IgG can quell ZIKV inside the seminiferous tubules.
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29
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Adegoke EO, Wang C, Machebe NS, Wang X, Wang H, Adeniran SO, Zhang H, Zheng P, Zhang G. Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) induced inflammatory response in bovine sertoli cell via TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 63:115-126. [PMID: 30212741 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells were treated with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 μg/L of MC-LR to investigate its toxic effects, mechanism of action and immune response of the cells. Our results revealed that treatment containing 20 μg/L of MC-LR was non-toxic to the cells. Treatments containing 40, 60 and 80 μg/L of MC-LR reduced the cell viability, induced nuclear morphological changes and downregulated the blood-testis barrier constituent proteins within 48 h after treatment. The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) were activated and significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in cells treated with 40, 60 and 80 μg/L of MC-LR compared to the control. The pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated within 48 h after treatment. However commencing from 72 h, upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and expression of blood-testis barrier constituent proteins was observed. This study indicates that MC-LR induced inflammatory response in bovine Sertoli cell via activation of TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Adegoke
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - N S Machebe
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - S O Adeniran
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Guixue Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China.
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30
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Voss JJLP, Stermer AR, Ghaffari R, Tiwary R, Richburg JH. MEHP-induced rat testicular inflammation does not exacerbate germ cell apoptosis. Reproduction 2018; 156:35-46. [PMID: 29743262 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an organ that maintains an immune suppressive environment. We previously revealed that exposure of pre-pubertal rats to an acute dose of a well-described Sertoli cell toxicant, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), leads to an accumulation of CD11b+ immune cells in the testicular interstitial space that closely correlates with a robust incidence of germ cell (GC) apoptosis. Here, we test the hypothesis that the infiltrating immune cells contribute to GC apoptosis. Postnatal day 28 Fischer rats that received an oral dose of 700 mg/kg MEHP showed a significant infiltration of both CD11bc+/CD68+/CD163- macrophages and neutrophils. The infiltration peaked at 12 h, but had reduced by 48 h. Testicular macrophages from MEHP-treated rats showed significantly upregulated expression of Tnfa and Il6, and the Arg1/Nos2 ratio was reduced compared to controls. However, small increases in anti-inflammatory genes Il10 and Tgfb1 were also observed. Depletion of circulating monocytes with clodronate liposomes prior to MEHP treatment reduced the macrophage influx into the testis, but did not lower GC apoptosis. Additionally, depletion of neutrophils using an anti-polymorphonuclear cell antibody prevented both macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into the testis, and also did not affect GC apoptosis. Together, these results show that exposure to MEHP leads to a rapid and temporary influx of pro-inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in the interstitium of the testis. However, with this acute dosing paradigm, these infiltrating leukocytes do not appear to contribute to MEHP-induced testicular GC apoptosis leaving the functional significance of these infiltrating cells in the pathogenesis of MEHP-induced testicular injury unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorine J L P Voss
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Angela R Stermer
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rashin Ghaffari
- University of Texas at AustinInstitute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, The Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Richa Tiwary
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - John H Richburg
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Luca G, Arato I, Sorci G, Cameron DF, Hansen BC, Baroni T, Donato R, White DGJ, Calafiore R. Sertoli cells for cell transplantation: pre-clinical studies and future perspectives. Andrology 2018; 6:385-395. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction; University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital; Terni Italy
| | - I. Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - G. Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Inter-University Institute of Myology (IIM)
| | - D. F. Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - B. C. Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - T. Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - R. Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
- Inter-University Institute of Myology (IIM)
- Centro Universitario per la Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale; Perugia Italy
| | - D. G. J. White
- Robarts Research Institute; University of Western Ontario; London ON Canada
| | - R. Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction; University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital; Terni Italy
- Department of Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
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32
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Pan Y, Liu Y, Wang L, Xue F, Hu Y, Hu R, Xu C. MKP-1 attenuates LPS-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction and inflammatory response through p38 and IκBα pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 7:84907-84923. [PMID: 27783995 PMCID: PMC5356708 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells create a local tolerogenic microenvironment to maintain testicular immune privilege especially through the formation of a blood-testis barrier (BTB). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune modulation function and BTB dynamics of Sertoli cells remained elusive. MAP phosphatase (MKP)-1 acts as a crucial negative regulator of the inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the role of MKP-1 in regulating Sertoli cells has not been elucidated. In this study, we have for the first time uncovered distinct cellular localization of MKP-1 in the cells at different stages of mouse testis, and the level of MKP-1 expression was significantly up-regulated by LPS-induced acute testis inflammation. In addition, MKP-1 staining was strongly detected in nuclei and peri-nuclear regions of cytoplasm in the Sertoli cells, and it was presented at Sertoli cell tight junctions (TJs) at stages VII-VIII after LPS treatment. Moreover, we demonstrated that MKP-1 was capable of attenuating LPS-induced decrease of occludin by interaction with p38 MAP kinase and IκBα molecules. Taken together, our data highlight that MKP-1 was an important endogenous suppressor of innate immune responses involved in the regulation of BTB barrier dynamic. This study thus might offer novel targets for treating inflammatory diseases in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Pan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Feng Xue
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,Laboratory of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yanqin Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ran Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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33
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Wright K, Dziuk R, Mital P, Kaur G, Dufour JM. Xenotransplanted Pig Sertoli Cells Inhibit Both the Alternative and Classical Pathways of Complement-Mediated Cell Lysis While Pig Islets Are Killed. Cell Transplant 2018; 25:2027-2040. [PMID: 27305664 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x692032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation has vast clinical potential but is limited by the potent immune responses generated against xenogeneic tissue. Immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SCs) survive xenotransplantation long term (≥90 days) without immunosuppression, making SCs an ideal model to identify xenograft survival mechanisms. Xenograft rejection includes the binding of natural and induced antibodies and the activation of the complement cascade. Using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, wherein cells were cultured with human serum and complement, we demonstrated that neonatal pig SCs (NPSCs) are resistant to complement-mediated cell lysis and express complement inhibitory factors, membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46), and decay- accelerating factor (DAF; CD55) at significantly higher levels than neonatal pig islets (NPIs), which served as non-immune-privileged controls. After xenotransplantation into naive Lewis rats, NPSCs survived throughout the study, while NPIs were rejected within 9 days. Serum antibodies, and antibody and complement deposition within the grafts were analyzed. Compared to preformed circulating anti-pig IgM antibodies, no significant increase in IgM production against NPSCs or NPIs was observed, while IgM deposition was detected from day 6 onward in both sets of grafts. A late serum IgG response was detected in NPSC (days 13 and 20) and NPI (day 20) recipients. Consistently, IgG deposition was first detected at days 9 and 13 in NPSC and NPI grafts, respectively. Interestingly, C3 was deposited at days 1 and 3 in NPI grafts and only at day 1 in NPSC grafts, while membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition was only detected in NPI grafts (at days 1-4). Collectively, these data suggest NPSCs actively inhibit both the alternative and classical pathways of complement-mediated cell lysis, while the alternative pathway plays a role in rejecting NPIs. Ultimately, inhibiting the alternative pathway along with transplanting xenogeneic tissue from transgenic pigs (expressing human complement inhibitory factors) could prolong the survival of xenogeneic cells without immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandis Wright
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Dziuk
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Payal Mital
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Chae YK, Choi WM, Bae WH, Anker J, Davis AA, Agte S, Iams WT, Cruz M, Matsangou M, Giles FJ. Overexpression of adhesion molecules and barrier molecules is associated with differential infiltration of immune cells in non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1023. [PMID: 29348685 PMCID: PMC5773521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19454-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is emerging as a promising option for lung cancer treatment. Various endothelial adhesion molecules, such as integrin and selectin, as well as various cellular barrier molecules such as desmosome and tight junctions, regulate T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. However, little is known regarding how these molecules affect immune cells in patients with lung cancer. We demonstrated for the first time that overexpression of endothelial adhesion molecules and cellular barrier molecule genes was linked to differential infiltration of particular immune cells in non-small cell lung cancer. Overexpression of endothelial adhesion molecule genes is associated with significantly lower infiltration of activated CD4 and CD8 T-cells, but higher infiltration of activated B-cells and regulatory T-cells. In contrast, overexpression of desmosome genes was correlated with significantly higher infiltration of activated CD4 and CD8 T-cells, but lower infiltration of activated B-cells and regulatory T-cells in lung adenocarcinoma. This inverse relation of immune cells aligns with previous studies of tumor-infiltrating B-cells inhibiting T-cell activation. Although overexpression of endothelial adhesion molecule or cellular barrier molecule genes alone was not predictive of overall survival in our sample, these genetic signatures may serve as biomarkers of immune exclusion, or resistance to T-cell mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Kwang Chae
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, 60611, USA. .,Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611, USA.
| | - Wooyoung M. Choi
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - William H. Bae
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Jonathan Anker
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Andrew A. Davis
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Sarita Agte
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Wade T. Iams
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Marcelo Cruz
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Maria Matsangou
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, 60611 USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
| | - Francis J. Giles
- 0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, 60611 USA ,0000 0001 2299 3507grid.16753.36Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 USA
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Kaur G, Vadala S, Dufour JM. An overview of a Sertoli cell transplantation model to study testis morphogenesis and the role of the Sertoli cells in immune privilege. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2017; 3:dvx012. [PMID: 29492314 PMCID: PMC5804552 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvx012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Advanced testicular germ cells, expressing novel cell surface and intracellular proteins, appear after the establishment of central tolerance and thus are auto-immunogenic. However, due to testis immune privilege these germ cells normally do not evoke a detrimental immune response. The Sertoli cell (SC) barrier (also known as the blood-testis barrier) creates a unique microenvironment required for the completion of spermatogenesis and sequesters the majority of the advanced germ cells from the immune system. Given that an intact SC barrier is necessary for spermatogenesis and that disruption of the SC barrier results in loss of advanced germ cells independent of an immune response, this dual role of the SC barrier makes it difficult to directly test the importance of the SC barrier in immune privilege. The ability of SCs to survive and protect co-grafted cells when transplanted ectopically (outside the testis) across immunological barriers is well-documented. Here, we will discuss the use of a SC transplantation model to investigate the role of SC and the SC barrier in immune privilege. Additionally, the formation of cord/tubule like structures in this model, containing both SCs and myoid cells, further extends its application to study testis morphogenesis. We will also discuss the potential use of this model to study the effects of drugs/environmental toxins on testis morphogenesis, tight junction formation and SC-myoid cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Scott Vadala
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jannette M. Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced Sertoli cell injury stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Fischer 344 rats. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:150-158. [PMID: 28238932 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of rodents to the Sertoli cell (SC) toxicant mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) has been reported to trigger an infiltration of macrophages into the testis in an age- and species-dependent manner. Here we challenge the hypothesis that the peripubertal rat-specific infiltration of macrophages after MEHP exposure is due, in part, to an increase in SC-specific inflammatory cytokine expression. To rule out that germ cell(GC) apoptosis itself is responsible for macrophage recruitment, rats were exposed to a direct GC toxicant, methoxyacetic acid (MAA), but no infiltration of macrophages was observed. Next, mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated after MEHP exposure. IL-1α, IL-6, and MCP-1 expression were increased in vivo and correlated with macrophage infiltration in a species-specific manner. Additionally, IL-6 and MCP-1 expression was increased in SC-GC co-cultures and ASC-17D SCs. These results indicate that MEHP-injury in pubertal rats specifically stimulates secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alters the immune microenvironment.
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Sun Z, Nie Q, Zhang L, Niu R, Wang J, Wang S. Fluoride reduced the immune privileged function of mouse Sertoli cells via the regulation of Fas/FasL system. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 168:318-325. [PMID: 27810530 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations have demonstrated the adverse impacts of fluoride on Sertoli cells (SCs), such as oxidative stress and apoptosis. SCs are the crucial cellular components that can create the immune privileged environment in testis. However, the effect of fluoride on SCs immune privilege is unknown. In this study, mouse SCs were exposed to sodium fluoride with varying concentrations of 10-5, 10-4, and 10-3 mol/L to establish the model of fluoride-treated SCs (F-SCs) in vitro. After 48 h of incubation, F-SCs were transplanted underneath the kidney capsule of mice for 21 days, or cocultured with spleen lymphocytes for another 48 h. Immunohistochemical analysis of GATA4 in SCs grafts underneath kidney capsule presented less SCs distribution and obvious immune cell infiltration in F-SCs groups. In addition, the levels of FasL protein and mRNA in non-cocultured F-SCs decreased with the increase of fluoride concentration. When cocultured with F-SCs, lymphocytes presented significantly high cell viability and low apoptosis in F-SCs groups. Protein and mRNA expressions of FasL in cocultured F-SCs and Fas in lymphocytes were reduced, and the caspase 8 and caspase 3 mRNA levels were also decreased in fluoride groups in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicated that fluoride influenced the testicular immune privilege through disturbing the Fas/FasL system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China
| | - Qingli Nie
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China
| | - Lianjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China
| | - Ruiyan Niu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China
| | - Jundong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China.
| | - Shaolin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Salerno EP, Bedognetti D, Mauldin IS, Deacon DH, Shea SM, Pinczewski J, Obeid JM, Coukos G, Wang E, Gajewski TF, Marincola FM, Slingluff CL. Human melanomas and ovarian cancers overexpressing mechanical barrier molecule genes lack immune signatures and have increased patient mortality risk. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1240857. [PMID: 28123876 PMCID: PMC5215363 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1240857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have identified eight genes whose expression in human melanoma metastases and ovarian cancers is associated with a lack of Th1 immune signatures. They encode molecules with mechanical barrier function in the skin and other normal tissues and include filaggrin (FLG), tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TACSTD2), and six desmosomal proteins (DST, DSC3, DSP, PPL, PKP3, and JUP). This association has been validated in an independent series of 114 melanoma metastases. In these, DST expression alone is sufficient to identify melanomas without immune signatures, while FLG and the other six putative barrier molecules are overexpressed in a different subset of melanomas lacking immune signatures. Similar associations have been identified in a set of 186 ovarian cancers. RNA-seq data from 471 melanomas and 307 ovarian cancers in the TCGA database further support these findings and also reveal that overexpression of barrier molecules is strongly associated with early patient mortality for melanoma (p = 0.0002) and for ovarian cancer (p < 0.01). Interestingly, this association persists for FLG for melanoma (p = 0.012) and ovarian cancer (p = 0.006), whereas DST overexpression is negatively associated with CD8+ gene expression, but not with patient survival. Thus, overexpression of FLG or DST identifies two distinct patient populations with low immune cell infiltration in these cancers, but with different prognostic implications for each. These data raise the possibility that molecules with mechanical barrier function in skin and other tissues may be used by cancer cells to protect them from immune cell infiltration and immune-mediated destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise P Salerno
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ileana S Mauldin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Donna H Deacon
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sofia M Shea
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Joel Pinczewski
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Joseph M Obeid
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne , Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ena Wang
- Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Craig L Slingluff
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Routy JP, Routy B, Graziani GM, Mehraj V. The Kynurenine Pathway Is a Double-Edged Sword in Immune-Privileged Sites and in Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Int J Tryptophan Res 2016; 9:67-77. [PMID: 27773992 PMCID: PMC5063567 DOI: 10.4137/ijtr.s38355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The term “immune privilege” was originally coined to describe the suppression of inflammatory responses within organs protected by anatomic barriers, ie, the eyes, brain, placenta, and testes. However, cellular and metabolic processes, which orchestrate immune responses, also control inflammation within these sites. Our current understanding of tolerogenic mechanisms has extended the definition of immune privilege to include hair follicles, the colon, and cancer. By catabolizing tryptophan, cells expressing the enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase produce kynurenine metabolites, which orchestrate local and systemic responses to control inflammation, thus maintaining immune privilege. This review highlights the double-edged role played by the kynurenine pathway (KP), which establishes and maintains immune-privileged sites while contributing to cancer immune escape. The identification of the underlying molecular drivers of the KP in immune-privileged sites and in cancer is essential for the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmunity and cancer and to improve transplantation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Routy
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; Louis Lowenstein Chair in Hematology and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bertrand Routy
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France
| | - Gina M Graziani
- Research Associate, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vikram Mehraj
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.; Postdoctoral Fellow, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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40
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Gao J, Wang X, Wang Y, Han F, Cai W, Zhao B, Li Y, Han S, Wu X, Hu D. Murine Sertoli cells promote the development of tolerogenic dendritic cells: a pivotal role of galectin-1. Immunology 2016; 148:253-65. [PMID: 26878424 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) possess inherent immunosuppressive properties and are major contributors to the immunoprivileged status of mammalian testis. SCs have been reported to inhibit the activation of B cells, T cells and natural killer cells but not dendritic cells (DCs). Herein, we present evidence that co-culture with SCs results in a persistent state of DC immaturity characterized by down-regulation of the surface molecules I-A/E, CD80, CD83, CD86, CCR7 and CD11c, as well as reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. SC-conditioned DCs (SC-DCs) displayed low immunogenicity and enhanced immunoregulatory functions, including the inhibition of T-cell proliferation and the promotion of Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cell development. Mechanistically, the activation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was suppressed in SC-DCs. More importantly, we demonstrate that galectin-1 secreted by SCs plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of functionally tolerogenic SC-DCs. These findings further support the role of SCs in maintaining the immunoprivileged environment of the testis and provide a novel approach to derive tolerogenic DCs, which may lead to alternative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of immunopathogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Gao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xujie Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yunchuan Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fu Han
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weixia Cai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shichao Han
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dahai Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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41
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França LR, Hess RA, Dufour JM, Hofmann MC, Griswold MD. The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity. Andrology 2016; 4:189-212. [PMID: 26846984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular 'nurse cell', not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - R A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J M Dufour
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - M C Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Chiappalupi S, Luca G, Mancuso F, Madaro L, Fallarino F, Nicoletti C, Calvitti M, Arato I, Falabella G, Salvadori L, Di Meo A, Bufalari A, Giovagnoli S, Calafiore R, Donato R, Sorci G. Intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated Sertoli cells restores muscle morphology and performance in dystrophic mice. Biomaterials 2015; 75:313-326. [PMID: 26523508 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration leading to impaired locomotion, respiratory failure and premature death. In DMD patients, inflammatory events secondary to dystrophin mutation play a major role in the progression of the pathology. Sertoli cells (SeC) have been largely used to protect xenogeneic engraftments or induce trophic effects thanks to their ability to secrete trophic, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory factors. Here we have purified SeC from specific pathogen-free (SPF)-certified neonatal pigs, and embedded them into clinical grade alginate microcapsules. We show that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated SPF SeC (SeC-MC) in an experimental model of DMD can rescue muscle morphology and performance in the absence of pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatments. Once i.p. injected, SeC-MC act as a drug delivery system that modulates the inflammatory response in muscle tissue, and upregulates the expression of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin in muscles through systemic release of heregulin-β1, thus promoting sarcolemma stability. Analyses performed five months after single injection show high biocompatibility and long-term efficacy of SeC-MC. Our results might open new avenues for the treatment of patients with DMD and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Luca Madaro
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Unit of Histology, DAHFMO, La Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Meo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Antonello Bufalari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy.
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Fijak M, Damm LJ, Wenzel JP, Aslani F, Walecki M, Wahle E, Eisel F, Bhushan S, Hackstein H, Baal N, Schuler G, Konrad L, Rafiq A, O'Hara L, Smith LB, Meinhardt A. Influence of Testosterone on Inflammatory Response in Testicular Cells and Expression of Transcription Factor Foxp3 in T Cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:12-25. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Lara-Jil Damm
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Jan-Per Wenzel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Ferial Aslani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Magdalena Walecki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Eva Wahle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Florian Eisel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Holger Hackstein
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Nelli Baal
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Obstetrics; Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Faculty of Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Amir Rafiq
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University; Giessen Germany
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Hedger MP. The Immunophysiology of Male Reproduction. KNOBIL AND NEILL'S PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 2015. [PMCID: PMC7158304 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-397175-3.00019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Kaur G, Long CR, Dufour JM. Genetically engineered immune privileged Sertoli cells: A new road to cell based gene therapy. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:23-31. [PMID: 22553487 PMCID: PMC3341243 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.19119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are immune privileged cells, important for controlling the immune response to male germ cells as well as maintaining the tolerogenic environment in the testis. Additionally, ectopic Sertoli cells have been shown to survive and protect co-grafted cells when transplanted across immunological barriers. The survival of ectopic Sertoli cells has led to the idea that they could be used in cell based gene therapy. In this review, we provide a brief overview of testis immune privilege and Sertoli cell transplantation, factors contributing to Sertoli cell immune privilege, the challenges faced by viral vector gene therapy, the use of immune privileged cells in cell based gene therapy and describe several recent studies on the use of genetically engineered Sertoli cells to provide continuous delivery of therapeutic proteins.
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Abstract
Cell lines are often used in place of primary cells to study biological processes. However, care must be taken when interpreting the results as cell lines do not always accurately replicate the primary cells. In this article, we will briefly talk about advantages and disadvantages of cell lines and then discuss results using the mouse Sertoli cell line, MSC-1, compared with primary mouse Sertoli cells. MSC-1 cells resemble Sertoli cells morphologically and possess several biochemical markers associated with Sertoli cells. Studies have demonstrated that the function and regulation of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) is similar between MSC-1 and rat Sertoli cells. However, MSC-1 cells lack some of the immune privilege properties associated with primary Sertoli cells, including survival in animals with a fully functional immune system. Therefore, it has to be kept in mind that cell lines do not behave identically with primary cells and should not be used to replace primary cells. In order to strengthen the findings, key control experiments using primary cells should always be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Lubbock, TX USA
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47
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Wang X, Qin J, Zhao RC, Zenke M. Reduced immunogenicity of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from Sertoli cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106110. [PMID: 25166861 PMCID: PMC4148392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells constitute the structural framework in testis and provide an immune-privileged environment for germ cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) resemble embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and are generated from somatic cells by expression of specific reprogramming transcription factors. Here, we used C57BL/6 (B6) Sertoli cells to generate iPS cells (Ser-iPS cells) and compared the immunogenicity of Ser-iPS cells with iPS cells derived from mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF-iPS cells). Ser-iPS cells were injected into syngeneic mice to test for their in vivo immunogenicity in teratoma assay. Teratoma assay allows assessing in vivo immunogenicity of iPS cells and of their differentiated progeny simultaneously. We observed that early-passage Ser-iPS cells formed more teratomas with less immune cell infiltration and tissue damage and necrosis than MEF-iPS cells. Differentiating Ser-iPS cells in embryoid bodies (EBs) showed reduced T cell activation potential compared to MEF-iPS cells, which was similar to syngeneic ES cells. However, Ser-iPS cells lost their reduced immunogenicity in vivo after extended passaging in vitro and late-passage Ser-iPS cells exhibited an immunogenicity similar to MEF-iPS cells. These findings indicate that early-passage Ser-iPS cells retain some somatic memory of Sertoli cells that impacts on immunogenicity of iPS cells and iPS cell-derived cells in vivo and in vitro. Our data suggest that immune-privileged Sertoli cells might represent a preferred source for iPS cell generation, if it comes to the use of iPS cell-derived cells for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jie Qin
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Martin Zenke
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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48
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Lin J, Zhu J, Li X, Li S, Lan Z, Ko J, Lei Z. Expression of genomic functional estrogen receptor 1 in mouse sertoli cells. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1411-22. [PMID: 24615934 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114527355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There is no consensus whether Sertoli cells express estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence demonstrated that mouse Sertoli cell lines, TM4, MSC-1, and 15P-1, and purified primary mouse Sertoli cells (PSCs) contained Esr1 messenger RNA and proteins. Incubation of Sertoli cells with 17β-estradiol (E2) or ESR1 agonist stimulated the expression of an estrogen responsive gene Greb1, which was prevented by ESR inhibitor or ESR1 antagonist. Overexpression of Esr1 in MSC-1 enhanced E2-induced Greb1 expression, while knockdown of Esr1 by small interfering RNA in TM4 attenuated the response. Furthermore, E2-induced Greb1 expression was abolished in the PSCs isolated from Amh-Cre/Esr1-floxed mice in which Esr1 in Sertoli cells were selectively deleted. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that E2-induced Greb1 expression in Sertoli cells was mediated by binding of ESR1 to estrogen responsive elements. In summary, ligand-dependent nuclear ESR1 was present in mouse Sertoli cells and mediates a classical genomic action of estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jia Zhu
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xian Li
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shengqiang Li
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Zijian Lan
- Division of Life Sciences, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, USA
| | - Jay Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Sertoli cells--immunological sentinels of spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 30:36-44. [PMID: 24603046 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cells, which appear after the establishment of central tolerance, express novel cell surface and intracellular proteins that can be recognized as 'foreign antigens' by the host's immune system. However, normally these germ cells do not evoke an auto-reactive immune response. The focus of this manuscript is to review the evidence that the blood-testis-barrier (BTB)/Sertoli cell (SC) barrier along with the SCs ability to modulate the immune response is vital for protecting auto-antigenic germ cells. In normal testis, the BTB/SC barrier protects the majority of the auto-antigenic germ cells by limiting access by the immune system and sequestering these 'new antigens'. SCs also modulate testis immune cells (induce regulatory immune cells) by expressing several immunoregulatory factors, thereby creating a local tolerogenic environment optimal for survival of nonsequesetred auto-antigenic germ cells. Collectively, the fortress created by the BTB/SC barrier along with modulation of the immune response is pivotal for completion of spermatogenesis and species survival.
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50
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Arck P, Solano ME, Walecki M, Meinhardt A. The immune privilege of testis and gravid uterus: same difference? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:509-520. [PMID: 24076096 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The fetus in the gravid uterus and the developing spermatogenic cells in the adult testis both comprise special challenges for the host immune system. Protection of the neoantigens of the fetus and male germ cells from immune attack, defined as immune privilege, is fundamental for the propagation of species. Immune privilege is not simply the absence of leukocytes, but involves immune and non-immune cells acting synergistically together at multiple levels to create a unique tolerogenic environment. A number of the pathways are shared by the testis and gravid uterus. Amongst them steroid hormones, namely testosterone in the male and progesterone in the female, seem to function as key molecules that govern the local production of immunoregulatory factors which finally control the overall immune environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Arck
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - María Emilia Solano
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Walecki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, 35385 Giessen, Germany.
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