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Published on: March 30, 2020
Terapeutic Potential of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells in Huntington Disease
Giovanni Luca1, Ilaria Bellezza1, Iva Arato1
1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Introduction:
Immune dysfunction, promoted by pro-inflammatory cytokines, plays a pivotal role in neurodegeneration associated with Huntington's disease.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory properties of Sertoli cells in Huntington's disease.
Methods:
The experimental R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease was treated by a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells and lifespan, motor performance and striatal inflammatory pattern have been evaluated.
Results:
The results of this study demonstrated that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells uniquely improved performances and extended the life expectancy of R6/2 Huntington's disease mice, by immune dysfunction modulation in brain.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the immunomodulatory and trophic role of Sertoli cells that could be of help in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
