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A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
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Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
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Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
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Novel T cell receptor expression features in sperm and testis.

Tania Antonopoulou1, Theologia Morfoniou1, Kiki Sarganaki1

  • 1Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Biology, University of Crete, University Campus, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece.

Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|September 10, 2025
PubMed
Summary

T-cell receptors (TCRs) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules are present in sperm, suggesting a role in male reproduction. Their expression during spermatogenesis and in seminal fluid indicates potential diagnostic value for infertility.

Keywords:
MHCMouse spermSoluble MHCSoluble TCRSpermatogenesisT cell receptor

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Immunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Spermatogenesis

Background:

  • Ectopic expression of T-cell receptors (TCRs) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in sperm and the female reproductive tract suggests a role in mate choice.
  • MHC/TCR interactions may guide spermatozoa towards the ovum, necessitating further investigation into their presence and function in sperm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the presence and cognate recognition of TCRs in sperm.
  • To define TCR expression patterns during spermatogenesis.
  • To explore the relationship between TCR and MHC expression in male reproductive cells and fluids.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence microscopy to detect TCR and MHC expression in sperm.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify soluble TCRs and MHCs in seminal fluid.
  • RT-PCR to analyze TCR gene transcripts.
  • Immunohistology and cell dissociation to study TCR expression during spermatogenesis.

Main Results:

  • TCRαβ and TCRγδ expression was detected in sperm, with varying levels inversely correlated with MHC expression.
  • Soluble TCRs and MHCs were found in seminal fluid, showing correlations between specific TCR and MHC types.
  • TCR expression was identified in the spermatozoa tail and throughout spermatogenesis.
  • Novel TCR transcripts were detected, suggesting uncharacterized functions.

Conclusions:

  • TCRs are expressed in sperm and during spermatogenesis, indicating novel roles beyond T-cells.
  • The presence and interaction of TCRs and MHCs in sperm support their involvement in male reproduction.
  • TCR expression in sperm may serve as a diagnostic marker for unexplained infertility.