Voronoff to virion: 1920s testis transplantation and AIDS

Classic and Current Opinions in Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation

Graft tolerance is a pathophysiological condition heavily reliant on the dynamic interaction of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Genetic polymorphism determines immune responses to tissue/organ transplantation, and intricate humoral and cell-mediated mechanisms control these responses. In transplantation, the clinician's goal is to achieve a delicate equilibrium between the allogeneic immune response, undesired effects of the immunosuppressive drugs, and the existing morbidities that are potentially life-threatening. Transplant immunopathology involves sensitization, effector, and apoptosis phases which recruit and engages immunological cells like natural killer cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. Similarly, these cells are involved in the transfer of normal or genetically engineered T cells. Advances in tissue transplantation would involve a profound knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the respective immunopathology involved and the design of precision medicines that are safe and effective.

Reproductive immune microenvironment

About 10 %-12 % of couples in the world suffer from infertility, and immunological factors are being paid more and more attention. Attempts to induce peripheral immune tolerance in pregnant women by injecting husband cells have been widely promoted, but ultimately proved unsuccessful. Over the past two decades, our understanding of how the immune system is involved in gametogenesis and embryonic development, especially in early pregnancy, has undergone a major shift, going from the periphery to the local area of reproductive tissue. However, a holistic overview of immune responses in reproductive organs and tissues is currently lacking. Here, we further highlight the importance of regional immunity research for understanding reproductive health by reviewing the research mileage of the testis, ovary, and uterine immune microenvironment. We propose the concept of "reproductive immune microenvironment (RIM)" by summarizing the common features and basic functions of the tissue microenvironment in which immune cells reside, including the interstitial space of the testis, the ovarian stroma and the endometrium. The establishment of the concept of RIM not only focuses on the comprehensive description of the immune response in reproductive tissues, but also provides a macroscopic perspective for a deeper understanding of the immune etiology of reproductive system-related diseases.