1
|
Winnall WR, Lloyd SB, De Rose R, Alcantara S, Amarasena TH, Hedger MP, Girling JE, Kent SJ. Simian immunodeficiency virus infection and immune responses in the pig-tailed macaque testis. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:599-609. [PMID: 25605872 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.4a0914-438r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis is a site of immune privilege in rodents, and there is evidence that T cell responses are also suppressed in the primate testis. Local immunosuppression is a potential mechanism for HIV persistence in tissue reservoirs that few studies have examined. The response of the pig-tailed macaque testis to SIVmac239 infection was characterized to test this possibility. Testes were surgically removed during early-chronic (10 wk) and late-chronic (24-30 wk) SIV infection in 4 animals and compared with those from 7 uninfected animals. SIV infection caused only minor disruption to the seminiferous epithelium without marked evidence of inflammation or consistent changes in total intratesticular leukocyte numbers. Infection also led to an increase in the relative proportion of testicular effector memory CD8(+) T cell numbers and a corresponding reduction in central memory CD4(+) T cells. A decrease in the relative proportion of resident-type CD163(+) macrophages and DCs was also observed. SIV-specific CD8(+) T cells were detectable in the testis, 10-11 wk after infection by staining with SIV Gag-specific or Tat-specific MHC-I tetramers. However, testicular CD8(+) T cells from the infected animals had suppressed cytokine responses to mitogen activation. These results support the possibility that local immunosuppression in the testis may be restricting the ability of T cells to respond to SIV or HIV infection. Local immunosuppression in the testis may be an underexplored mechanism allowing HIV persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy R Winnall
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah B Lloyd
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert De Rose
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheilajen Alcantara
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thakshila H Amarasena
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E Girling
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J Kent
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
|
3
|
Meinhardt A, Hedger MP. Immunological, paracrine and endocrine aspects of testicular immune privilege. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:60-8. [PMID: 20363290 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protection of the spermatogenic cells from the host immune response is fundamental to male fertility. Significantly, this protection extends to the tolerance of foreign tissue grafts placed within the testicular environment, a phenomenon that is called 'immune privilege'. This privilege of the testis appears to involve several levels of immune control, encompassing the normal mechanisms of immune tolerance, antigen sequestration behind the blood-testis barrier, reduced immune activation, localised immunosuppression and antigen-specific immunoregulation. Central to these regulatory processes are the somatic cells of the testis, particularly the Sertoli cells, and testicular secretions, including androgens, cytokines, peptides and bioactive lipids. Failure of these protective mechanisms, which may be precipitated by trauma, inflammation or infection, or as the consequence of genetic factors, can lead to androgen deficiency, infertility and autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385 Giessen, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee HM, Oh BC, Lim DP, Lee DS, Cho J, Lee G, Lee JR. Establishment and characterization of porcine Sertoli cell line for the study of xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2007; 14:112-8. [PMID: 17381685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2007.00366.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An understanding of the main mechanism that determines the ability of immune privilege related to Sertoli cells (SC) will provide clues for promoting a local tolerogenic environment. In this report, we established neonatal porcine SC line and evaluated their characteristics. METHODS SC line was established following the transfection of primary SC (NPSC) from the testis of neonatal pig with plasmid pRNS-1 carrying genes for neomycin resistance and the SV40 large T antigen. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were performed to evaluate the character of immortalized SC lines. RESULTS Our immortalized SC line (iPS) proliferated stably and had a phenotype similar to NPSC, as indicated by the immunoexpression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and mRNA expression of androgen receptor (AR), and Wilms' tumor antigen (WT1). Interestingly, NPSC and iPS expressed mRNA of complement regulatory proteins (CRP) such as membrane cofactor protein (CD46), decay accelerating factor (DAF or CD55), and protectin (CD59), but CD59 mRNA expression was negligible in iPS. CONCLUSION These results suggest that iPS, immortalized by the introduction of SV40 T, retain their original characteristics, except for the relatively low expression of CD59, and that they may be useful for future in vitro and in vivo studies of immune privilege mechanisms related to SC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/genetics
- Cell Line
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transplantation/methods
- Cells, Cultured
- Complement System Proteins/genetics
- Complement System Proteins/metabolism
- Male
- Phenotype
- Plasmids/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Receptors, FSH/genetics
- Receptors, FSH/metabolism
- Sertoli Cells/cytology
- Sertoli Cells/immunology
- Sertoli Cells/metabolism
- Swine
- Transfection
- Transplantation, Heterologous/immunology
- Transplantation, Heterologous/methods
- WT1 Proteins/genetics
- WT1 Proteins/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hak-Mo Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Warfvinge K, Kiilgaard JF, Klassen H, Zamiri P, Scherfig E, Streilein W, Prause JU, Young MJ. Retinal progenitor cell xenografts to the pig retina: immunological reactions. Cell Transplant 2007; 15:603-12. [PMID: 17176612 DOI: 10.3727/000000006783981594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the host response to murine retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) following transplantation to the subretinal space (SRS) of the pig. RPCs from GFP mice were transplanted subretinally in 18 nonimmunosuppressed normal or laser-treated pigs. Evaluation of the SRS was performed on hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained sections. Serum samples were taken from naive and RPC-grafted pigs and mouse-reactive antibody responses were assessed. At 1 week, histology showed a few perivascular lymphocytes consistent with a mild retinal vasculitis, and depigmentation of the RPE with large numbers of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the choroid near the transplantation site. Large choroidal infiltrates were evident at 2-5 weeks. Serum from naive and RPC-xenografted pigs contained significant levels of preformed IgG and IgM antibodies against murine antigens. Xenogeneic RPCs transplanted to the porcine SRS induced mononuclear infiltration in the choroid with graft rejection occurring over 2-5 weeks. Serum analysis confirmed that mice and pigs are discordant species; however, a cell-mediated acute mechanism appears to be responsible, rather than an antibody-mediated rejection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Warfvinge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The production, differentiation, and presence of male gametes represent inimitable challenges to the immune system, as they are unique to the body and appear long after the maturation of the immune system and formation of systemic self-tolerance. Known to protect germ cells and foreign tissue grafts from autoimmune attack, the 'immune privilege' of the testis was originally, and somewhat simplistically, attributed to the existence of the blood-testis barrier. Recent research has shown a previously unknown level of complexity with a multitude of factors, both physical and immunological, necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the immunotolerance in the testis. Besides the blood-testis barrier and a diminished capability of the large testicular resident macrophage population to mount an inflammatory response, it is the constitutive expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the testis by immune and particularly somatic cells, that represents an essential element for local immunosuppression. The role of androgens in testicular immune regulation has long been underestimated; yet, accumulating evidence now shows that they orchestrate the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression and shift cytokine balance toward a tolerogenic environment. Furthermore, the role of the testicular dendritic cells in suppressing antigen-specific immunity and T-lymphocyte activation is discussed. Finally, the active role mast cells play in the induction and amplification of immune responses, both in infertile humans and in experimental models, highlights the importance of preventing mast cell activation to maintain the immune-privileged status of the testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Riccioli A, Dal Secco V, De Cesaris P, Starace D, Gandini L, Lenzi A, Dondero F, Padula F, Filippini A, Ziparo E. Presence of membrane and soluble forms of Fas ligand and of matrilysin (MMP-7) activity in normal and abnormal human semen. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2814-20. [PMID: 15979995 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to shed some light on the role of the Fas system in human semen, by investigating whether there is an association between the expression of the molecules regulating the Fas system [membrane-bound Fas ligand (mFasL), soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) and matrilysin, the metalloprotease cleaving mFasL to sFasL] and sperm parameters. METHODS We investigated, by flow cytometric analysis, the presence of FasL on spermatozoa from normozoospermic and teratozoospermic subjects and, by western blot, the presence of sFasL and matrilysin in the seminal plasma of the same samples as well as on samples from azoospermic subjects. The enzymatic activity of matrilysin was examined by gel zymography. RESULTS We observed that sperm cells expressed mFasL in 22% of normozoospermic men, whereas it was absent from spermatozoa from teratozoospermic patients. Higher levels of sFasL and augmented enzymatic activity of matrilysin were found in azoospermic samples. CONCLUSIONS The presence of mFasL on sperm from normozoospermic men and its absence in pathological samples emphasize the role of the Fas system in human semen. Moreover, the presence of both sFasL and matrilysin in seminal plasma implies a fine regulation of the function of the Fas system and, consequently, of the apoptotic process in the human genital tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Riccioli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Emerich DF, Hemendinger R, Halberstadt CR. The testicular-derived Sertoli cell: cellular immunoscience to enable transplantation. Cell Transplant 2004; 12:335-49. [PMID: 12911122 DOI: 10.3727/000000003108746894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a renewed enthusiasm for the potential of cellular transplantation as a therapy for numerous clinical disorders. The revived interest is largely due to the unprecedented success of the "Edmonton protocol," which produced a 100% cure rate for type I diabetics following the transplantation of human islet allografts together with a modified immunosuppressive regimen. While these data provide a clear and unequivocal demonstration that transplantation is a viable treatment strategy, the shortage of suitable donor tissue together with the debilitating consequences of lifelong immunosuppression necessitate a concerted effort to develop novel means to enable transplantation on a widespread basis. This review outlines the use of Sertoli cells to provide local immunoprotection to cografted discordant cells, including those from xenogeneic sources. Sertoli cells are normally found in the testes where one of their functions is to provide local immunologic protection to developing germ cells. Isolated Sertoli cells 1) engraft and self-protect when transplanted into allogeneic and xenogeneic environments, 2) protect cografted allogeneic and xenogeneic cells from immune destruction, 3) protect islet grafts to reverse diabetes in animal models, 4) enable survival and function of cografted foreign dopaminergic neurons in rodent models of Parkinson's disease (PD), and 5) promote regeneration of damaged striatal dopaminergic circuitry in those same PD models. These benefits are discussed in the context of several potential underlying biological mechanisms. While the majority of work to date has focused on Sertoli cells to facilitate transplantation for diabetes and PD, the generalized ability of these unique cells to potently suppress the local immune environment opens additional clinical possibilities.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dufour JM, Rajotte RV, Seeberger K, Kin T, Korbutt GS. Long-term survival of neonatal porcine Sertoli cells in non-immunosuppressed rats. Xenotransplantation 2003; 10:577-86. [PMID: 14708526 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3089.2003.00059.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells from the testis contain immunoprotective properties which allow them to survive as allografts and also to protect islets and adrenal chromafin cells from immune rejection without the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Experiments were designed to determine whether xenogeneic neonatal porcine Sertoli cells (NPSCs) survive transplantation in rats without the use of immunosuppression. NPSCs (92.2 +/- 5.1%) were isolated, cultured and then transplanted under the kidney capsule of non-immunosuppressed Lewis rats. To assess survival, grafts were removed after 4, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 90 days post-transplant and immunostained for the Sertoli cell marker vimentin. Survival was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the porcine mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) subunit gene, a marker for porcine tissue. In both methods, NPSCs were detected in the grafts for at least 90 days. Histologically, NPSCs were clustered in small aggregates or organized in tubule-like structures. When stained for the presence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), many Sertoli cells stained positive at 20 days post-transplant, indicating not only cell survival but also Sertoli cell proliferation. The number of PCNA positive cells decreased somewhat by 40 days with almost no positive Sertoli cells at 60 and 90 days. These data demonstrate that NPSCs survive long-term following xenotransplantation in rats, which to our knowledge is the first report of a discordant xenograft surviving without immunosuppression in a non-immunoprivileged site. Further study of the mechanism of NPSC xenograft survival may provide clues for promoting a local tolerogenic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannette M Dufour
- Surgical-Medical Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dufour JM, Rajotte RV, Korbutt GS, Emerich DF. Harnessing the Immunomodulatory Properties of Sertoli Cells to Enable Xenotransplantation in Type I Diabetes. Immunol Invest 2003; 32:275-97. [PMID: 14603995 DOI: 10.1081/imm-120025106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Islet transplantation has emerged as a viable long-term means of treating type I diabetes. This is largely due to the success of the "Edmonton protocol" which has produced insulin independence in 85% of patients 1 year after transplantation of allogeneic islets together with a non-steroid immunosuppressive regimen. While these data provide a clear and unequivocal demonstration that islet transplantation is a viable treatment strategy, the shortage of suitable donor tissue together with the debilitating consequences of life-long immunosuppression necessitate the development of novel means to enable transplantation of all type 1 diabetics including the young juvenile diabetics. One potential means of enabling islet transplantation takes advantage of the ability of Sertoli cells to provide local immunoprotection to co-grafted islets, including those from xenogeneic sources. Sertoli cells are normally found in the testes where one of their functions is to provide local immunologic protection to developing germ cells. In animal models, allogeneic and xenogeneic islets survive and function for extended periods of time when grafted into the testes. Moreover, isolated Sertoli cells protect co-grafted allogeneic and xenogeneic islets from immune destruction and reverse diabetes in immunocompetent and autoimmune animals. These benefits are discussed in the context of several potential underlying biological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannette M Dufour
- Surgical-Medical Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Riccioli A, Salvati L, D'Alessio A, Starace D, Giampietri C, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E. The Fas system in the seminiferous epithelium and its possible extra-testicular role. Andrologia 2003; 35:64-70. [PMID: 12558530 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2003.00538.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Fas system is involved in the control of immune system homeostasis and nonfunctional Fas system leads to autoimmune disease in mice and humans. The Fas system is a mechanism through which cells expressing Fas ligand (FasL) induce apoptosis of Fas expressing cells. In mouse and rat, the testis represents the main source of constitutive FasL in the body. The roles so far proposed for this molecule in the testis, such as maintenance of immunoprivilege and regulation of physiological germ cell apoptosis, need to be reconsidered as both hypotheses are based on an erroneous cellular location of FasL in the seminiferous epithelium. Recently, we demonstrated that in rodents FasL mRNA is present in germ cells and not in Sertoli cells, and that FasL protein is displayed on the surface of spermatozoa. Here we propose that, for the mouse spermatozoa, the FasL may represent a self-defence mechanism against lymphocytes present in the female genital tract. To verify this hypothesis, we performed crossings between males gld, with nonfunctional FasL, and syngenic or nonsyngenic females. We observed a significant decrease of litter size in outbred crossings with gld males compared with wild-type males, suggesting a possible role of FasL in immunoprotection of the sperm in the female genital tract. The possibility that in humans, by analogy with mouse, FasL plays a self-protective role for the spermatozoon cannot be excluded, and awaits experimental information on the expression of FasL on human sperm cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Riccioli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 'La Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy. anna.riccioli@uniroma 1.it
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Immune responses within the testis are regulated in a manner that provides protection for the developing male germ cells, while permitting qualitatively normal inflammatory responses and protection against infection. The large population of resident-type macrophages in the testis is strongly implicated in mediating this specialised immunological environment. Several studies in the rat have shown that testicular macrophages retain their cytotoxic and phagocytic capacity, but have greatly diminished pro-inflammatory function and even exhibit immunosuppressive activity. While the local mechanisms that control the phenotype of the testicular macrophage population are unknown, evidence points to the influence of the testicular somatic cells, the Sertoli and Leydig cells. A smaller but significant population of macrophages that lack expression of resident macrophage markers, is also found in the rat testis. The functional role of these macrophages remains to be defined, but they most likely represent circulating monocytes or newly-arrived testicular macrophages, and, therefore, may contribute to sustaining inflammatory responses within the testis. Further investigation of the immune-related functions of these different macrophage subsets, and the testicular somatic cells, during immunological and inflammatory events should provide a better understanding of how the testicular immune environment is maintained and regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Hedger
- Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The host response to pathogens involves complex inflammatory responses and immune reactions. While these are central to host defense and vital to clearing infections, they are often accompanied by injury to surrounding tissue. Most organ systems can tolerate these responses without permanent consequences. However, there are sites that limit the spread of inflammation because it can threaten organ function. The most prominent examples of these are the eye, brain, and reproductive organs (testis, ovary), where even minor bouts of inflammation can have long-term consequences for the survival of the organism. In these organs immune responses either do not proceed, or proceed in a manner different from other areas; thus, they are called "immunologically privileged." Here a functioning immune response can be the culprit that leads to disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Ferguson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, Box 8096, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Immune privilege is a property of some sites in the body, whereby immune responses are limited or prevented. One explanation that has been proposed for this phenomenon is engagement of the pro-apoptotic molecule Fas by its ligand (FasL), which leads to apoptosis, and consequently limits an inflammatory response. This idea has recently been challenged, and here we review the evidence for and against a role for FasL in immune privilege.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D R Green
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, San Diego, California 92121, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Auchincloss H. Literature update 2000, part 1. Xenotransplantation 2000; 7:230-4. [PMID: 11021669 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3089.2000.00079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Auchincloss
- Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|