Immune cell subtypes and their function in the testis

Immunoregulation in the testis is characterized by a balance between immuno-suppression (or immune privilege) and the ability to react to infections and inflammation. In this review, we analyze the phenotypes of the various immune cell subtypes present in the testis, and how their functions change b...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Bhushan, Sudhanshu, Theas, Maria Susana, Guazzone, Vanesa Anabella, Jacobo, Patricia Verónica, Wang, Ming, Fijak, Monika, Meinhardt, Andreas, Lustig, Livia
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:Argentina
Institución:Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
Repositorio:CONICET Digital (CONICET)
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/136730
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11336/136730
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:DENDRITIC CELLS
IMMUNE PRIVILEGE
MACROPHAGES
MAST CELLS
T LYMPHOCYTES
TESTIS
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/3.1
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/3
Descripción
Sumario:Immunoregulation in the testis is characterized by a balance between immuno-suppression (or immune privilege) and the ability to react to infections and inflammation. In this review, we analyze the phenotypes of the various immune cell subtypes present in the testis, and how their functions change between homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Starting with testicular macrophages, we explore how this heterogeneous population is shaped by the testicular microenvironment to ensure immune privilege. We then describe how dendritic cells exhibit a tolerogenic status under normal conditions, but proliferate, mature and then stimulate effector T-cell expansion under inflammatory conditions. Finally, we outline the two T-cell populations in the testis: CD4+/CD8+ αβ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and describe the distribution and function of mast cells. All these cells help modulate innate immunity and regulate the immune response. By improving our understanding of immune cell behavior in the testis under normal and inflammatory conditions, we will be better placed to evaluate testis impairment due to immune mechanisms in affected patients.