Regulation of complement by Sertoli cells may contribute to the immune protective environment within the blood-testis barrier

Tissue Barriers. 2023 Jul 13:2233385. doi: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2233385. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Sertoli cells are a crucial component of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), which isolates the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules from the rest of the testis thus forming an environment to immunely protect the developing germ cells. The mechanisms of regulating immune responses within this environment are currently under investigation. Here, we focused on Sertoli cell regulation of the complement system.

Keywords: Blood-testis barrier; Sertoli cells; complement.