Editing Spermatozoon (section)

===Avoidance of immune system response===

[[Glycoprotein]] molecules on the surface of ejaculated sperm cells are recognized by all human female immune systems, and interpreted as a signal that the cell should not be rejected. The female immune system might otherwise attack sperm in the [[reproductive tract]]. The specific glycoproteins coating sperm cells are also utilized by some cancerous and bacterial cells, some parasitic worms, and HIV-infected white blood cells, thereby avoiding an immune response from the [[Host (biology)|host organism]].<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7143889.stm|title=Sperm clue to 'disease immunity'|date=2007-12-17|access-date=2013-11-03|archive-date=2013-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104200212/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7143889.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[blood-testis barrier]], maintained by the tight junctions between the [[Sertoli cell]]s of the seminiferous tubules, prevents communication between the forming spermatozoa in the testis and the blood vessels (and immune cells circulating within them) within the [[Interstitial fluid|interstitial space]]. This prevents them from eliciting an immune response. The blood-testis barrier is also important in preventing toxic substances from disrupting spermatogenesis.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}