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Major Histocompatibility Complex Expression on Human, Male Germ Cells: A Review
Author(s) -
FISZER DOROTA,
KURPISZ MACIEJ
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1998.tb00409.x
Subject(s) - biology , human leukocyte antigen , somatic cell , gene , gene expression , antigen , major histocompatibility complex , microbiology and biotechnology , germline , histocompatibility , immunology , genetics
PROBLEM: The male reproductive compartment is an immunologically privileged site. The expression pattern of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) may play an important role in the maintenance of immune tolerance toward differentiating gametogenic cells. This review presents current knowledge about HLA gene expression on human, male germ cells, on mRNA and protein levels, and on their methylation status. METHOD OF STUDY: Different techniques were applied to study HLA gene expression in human testis: (a) protein: e.g., cytotoxicity test, fluorescent labeling techniques, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and confocal microscopy; (b) mRNA: reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, Northern blot hybridization, and in situ hybridization; and (c) methylation status. RESULTS: In normal testicular tissue we observe a lack of HLA‐class I (classical) antigens expression and inversely related expression pattern of HLA class I classical and nonclassical genes. HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐E loci are likewise methylated in somatic and germ cells, whereas ‐F and ‐G genes are less methylated in sperm precursors. CONCLUSIONS: Immunologic tolerance in human testis is actively maintained by the specific expression pattern of HLA genes regulated by hormones and growth factors.