Reproductive Biology Insights

Immunobiological changes in spermatozoa within the male reproductive tract are vital for their viability, and hence for reproductive efficiency. The secretions of the seminal vesicles have immunosuppressive property that attenuates the antigenic effects of spermatozoa in the male reproductive tract. However, when spermatozoa find a way to outside of the rete testis or epididymis due to trauma or infection, they can cause significant inflammatory and immunological reactions in the surrounding tissues. This has also been observed in the female reproductive tract. However, such cases are rare and the reason for this is unknown. Antisperm antibodies are the main cause of infertility in humans. The purpose of this review is to analyze these immunobiological changes from the time of spermatozoa formation in rete testis to their role in fertilizing the oocytes in the female reproductive tract.