Testicular immunoregulation and spermatogenesis

Abstract

The mammalian testis possesses a unique immune environment that is essential for testicular function. The testis is a remarkable immunoprivileged site that protects immunogenic germ cells from the detrimental effects of immune responses. However, the testis can be infected by various microbial pathogens. To overcome the immune privilege and enable testicular defense against microbes, the testis adopts local effective innate immune responses to microbial infections. The mechanisms underlying the testicular immune privilege have been investigated for several decades and the innate defense system in the testis is being revealed based on the identification of pattern recognition receptor-initiated innate immune responses in testicular cells. The coordination between immune privilege and local innate immune responses is critical in the maintenance of testicular immune homeostasis. Disruption of the testicular immune homeostasis may lead to orchitis and impair spermatogenesis, an etiological factor of male infertility. Dissection of the immunoregulatory mechanisms in the testis can aid in establishing preventive and therapeutic approaches for orchitis. This review discusses current understanding of the mechanisms which underlie the testicular immunoregulation and its effect on spermatogenesis.

Keywords: Immune privilege; Infertility; Innate immune responses; Orchitis; Testis.