The role of reproductive tract extracellular vesicles on boar sperm function

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in reproductive tract fluids and serve as important mediators of paracrine communication, influencing the function of gametes. Sperm undergo development in the male reproductive tract and exert their function within the female reproductive tract, engaging in interactions with various types of EVs present throughout the reproductive system. Previous studies have demonstrated that both male and female reproductive tract EVs can impact sperm function by transferring regulatory cargoes to them. Nevertheless, inconsistencies of previous research regarding the effects of EVs on sperm function, coupled with a lack of investigation into the influence of female reproductive tract EVs on sperm fertilization, have left the true role and underlying mechanisms of reproductive tract EVs on sperm function largely unexplored. Given that pigs represent significant economic livestock and serve as an ideal biomedical model for human diseases, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding reproductive tract EVs and their influence on boar sperm function, while highlighting their potential roles. We anticipate that this review will facilitate future research on reproductive tract EVs and their impact on sperm function, contributing to improved animal reproductive efficiency and advancements in the treatment of male infertility.