Telocytes in the reproductive organs: Current understanding and future challenges

Over the past decades, we were witnessing spectacular molecular medicine advances. However, many of the reproductive medicine problems, such as fertility issues and premature birth still represent major challenges for obstetrics and gynecology worldwide. A new cell population – the telocytes (TCs) – were described in the interstitial space of many organs, and their possible implications in many important physiological and pathological processes should not be overlooked. In this article, we present a historical perspective outlining the landmarks in the discovery, evolution and achievements in the field of TCs over the last ten years. We focused on the potential roles of TCs in morphogenesis and maintenance of the normal three-dimensional architecture of tissues, in controlling of the stem cell microenvironment, as having anti-inflammatory and cancer-suppressing properties, participating in the immune surveillance, all mediated by direct homo- and heterocellular junctions or indirectly by extracellular vesicle release. Here, we overview the advances on TCs research in the reproductive organs (uterus and fallopian tube), accessory reproductive organs of female (mammary glands) and the temporary endocrine organ—placenta.