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Vaginal neutrophils eliminate sperm by trogocytosis

I Olivera-Valle1, M C Latorre1, M Calvo1

  • 1Laboratorio de InmunoFisiología, Grupo Fisiopatología de la mujer, del embarazo, parto y puerperio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|October 4, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) efficiently kill sperm via trogocytosis, a cell-engulfing process independent of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This mechanism regulates sperm numbers and may prevent inflammation and infertility.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) play a role in immune responses.
  • Trogocytosis is an immune cell interaction involving membrane exchange.
  • Previous studies suggested PMNs use trogocytosis against tumor cells and parasites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spermicidal mechanism of vaginal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).
  • To determine if PMNs kill excess sperm through trogocytosis.
  • To elucidate the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in PMN-mediated sperm killing.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized in vivo murine models and ex vivo human sperm and PMNs.
  • Employed confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and computer-assisted sperm analysis (SCA).
  • Established a live/dead sperm detection system to assess PMN-sperm interactions.

Main Results:

  • PMNs efficiently kill sperm through a contact-dependent, serine proteases-dependent mechanism.
  • This spermicidal activity is mediated by trogocytosis and is independent of NETs.
  • PMNs rapidly reduce sperm motility within 5 minutes and viability within 20 minutes of contact.

Conclusions:

  • Vaginal PMNs utilize trogocytosis to immobilize and kill excess sperm.
  • This mechanism serves to regulate sperm numbers, potentially preventing pathogen spread.
  • The PMN-spermicidal mechanism has low mucosal impact, avoiding inflammation and infertility.
Keywords:
PMN sperm-response and spermicidal activityPMNsneutrophilsspermtrogocytosis

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