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Sperm clue to 'disease immunity' | Sperm clue to 'disease immunity' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Sperm could provide a vital clue to how diseases like cancer and HIV spread through the body, a study suggests. | Sperm could provide a vital clue to how diseases like cancer and HIV spread through the body, a study suggests. |
UK researchers have identified markers on the surface of human sperm which prevent them being attacked by the female immune system. | UK researchers have identified markers on the surface of human sperm which prevent them being attacked by the female immune system. |
The markers are also found on cancer cells and HIV-infected blood cells and may help the diseases to take hold. | The markers are also found on cancer cells and HIV-infected blood cells and may help the diseases to take hold. |
The study, by researchers at Imperial College London, is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. | The study, by researchers at Imperial College London, is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. |
Experts say little is known about how sperm dodge immune system barriers but there are likely to be many mechanisms. | Experts say little is known about how sperm dodge immune system barriers but there are likely to be many mechanisms. |
If aggressive cancers and pathogens are using the same system of universally-recognisable markers to trick the immune system into thinking they're harmless, we need to work out exactly how this interaction works Professor Anne DellStudy leader | |
The female reproductive tract is a "hostile environment" for foreign cells which are readily attacked by the immune system but sperm move through apparently undetected. | The female reproductive tract is a "hostile environment" for foreign cells which are readily attacked by the immune system but sperm move through apparently undetected. |
Sperm are also protected from harm in the testes from the male's own immune system. | Sperm are also protected from harm in the testes from the male's own immune system. |
Sugar molecules | Sugar molecules |
The Imperial College team says it has found specific sugar molecules on the surface of sperm which seem to be responsible for evading the immune response. | The Imperial College team says it has found specific sugar molecules on the surface of sperm which seem to be responsible for evading the immune response. |
These glycoproteins are universally recognised by all human immune systems, regardless of the individual, say the researchers. | These glycoproteins are universally recognised by all human immune systems, regardless of the individual, say the researchers. |
This differs from other cells which carry chemical markers recognised by the individual's own immune system, but may come under attack if placed in a foreign body - for example in the case of organ transplant. | This differs from other cells which carry chemical markers recognised by the individual's own immune system, but may come under attack if placed in a foreign body - for example in the case of organ transplant. |
The glycoproteins found on sperm are also present on some types of cancer cell, some bacterial cells, parasitic worms and HIV-infected white blood cells. | The glycoproteins found on sperm are also present on some types of cancer cell, some bacterial cells, parasitic worms and HIV-infected white blood cells. |
The researchers are now planning to look at how exactly the glycoproteins trick the immune system into believing they are harmless. | The researchers are now planning to look at how exactly the glycoproteins trick the immune system into believing they are harmless. |
Dr Stuart Haslam, a lecturer in molecular biosciences, said in the case of sperm, it is in the human's benefit not to recognise it as dangerous. | Dr Stuart Haslam, a lecturer in molecular biosciences, said in the case of sperm, it is in the human's benefit not to recognise it as dangerous. |
"But it looks like some cancers and HIV-infected cells have hijacked this lack of recognition." | "But it looks like some cancers and HIV-infected cells have hijacked this lack of recognition." |
His colleague Professor Anne Dell added: "If aggressive cancers and pathogens are using the same system of universally-recognisable markers to trick the immune system into thinking they're harmless, we need to work out exactly how this interaction works. | |
"Understanding how these markers work at a basic biological and chemical level could lead to new ways to treat or prevent cancers and other diseases." | "Understanding how these markers work at a basic biological and chemical level could lead to new ways to treat or prevent cancers and other diseases." |
Professor Richard Sharpe, from the Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, said the research was extremely interesting. | Professor Richard Sharpe, from the Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, said the research was extremely interesting. |
"The whole process of immunity in the male reproductive system is something that is quite puzzling." | "The whole process of immunity in the male reproductive system is something that is quite puzzling." |
He explained that when sperm cells begin to develop they are "locked away" in the testes so the immune system does not have access to them and destroy them. | He explained that when sperm cells begin to develop they are "locked away" in the testes so the immune system does not have access to them and destroy them. |
"This study is suggesting there are other ways in which sperm can evade the immune system. | "This study is suggesting there are other ways in which sperm can evade the immune system. |
"In terms of fertility, women are exposed to these foreign bodies constantly but very few develop antibodies." | "In terms of fertility, women are exposed to these foreign bodies constantly but very few develop antibodies." |
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