Sertoli cells for cell transplantation: preclinical studies and future perspectives

Sertoli cells are located in the testes where they control several key functions in spermatogenesis. Over the past 30 years, Sertoli cells have been upgraded from a simple scaffold-like structural system to a dymanic functional system of intercellular support that deliver potent immuno-modulatory and trophic factors. Since the discovery of new Sertoli cell secretory products, these cells have been utilized in experimental cell transplantation and co-transplantation protocols aimed at treating both chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. For these reasons the present work reviews the application of both naked and microencapsulated Sertoli cells used in cell transplantation studies of several chronic or autoimmune diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and in studies aimed at the prevention of skin allograft rejection.