| MadSci Network: Immunology |
Your question is very good. I've done a bit of literature searching for the answer, and it was difficult to find a precise answer. What is known is the following: Seminal fluid appears to contain a number of factors which suppress the immune response of the female from attacking the sperm. Some of these factors that have been suggested are: 1) Certain cytokines, possibly TGF beta. This is a normal chemical of the immune system which can suppress T cell and macrophage responses. 2) Prostaglandins, which may also suppress the immune response. 3) Proteins specific to semen which block T cell responses. 4) Proteins which block complement-mediated destruction of sperm. The sperm themselves appear to be special in that they lack expression of MHC molecules, which are necessary for T cell mediated rejection. The surface of the sperm also has molecules which deactivate complement. Hope this helps.
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