Successful sperm maturation and storage rely on a unique immunological balance that protects the male reproductive organs from invading pathogens and spermatozoa from a destructive autoimmune response. We previously characterized one subset of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) in the murine epididymis, CX3CR1 cells, emphasizing their different functional properties. This population partially overlaps with another subset of understudied heterogeneous MPs, the CD11c cells. In the present study, we analyzed the CD11c MPs for their immune phenotype, morphology, and antigen capturing and presenting abilities. Epididymides from CD11c-EYFP mice, which express enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) in CD11c MPs, were divided into initial segment (IS), caput/corpus, and cauda regions. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CD11c MPs with a macrophage phenotype (CD64 and F4/80) were the most abundant in the IS, whereas those with a dendritic cell signature [CD64 major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)] were more frequent in the cauda. Immunofluorescence revealed morphological and phenotypic differences between CD11c MPs in the regions examined. To assess the ability of CD11c cells to take up antigens, CD11c-EYFP mice were injected intravenously with ovalbumin. In the IS, MPs expressing macrophage markers were most active in taking up the antigens. A functional antigen-presenting coculture study was performed, whereby CD4 T cells were activated after ovalbumin presentation by CD11c epididymal MPs. The results demonstrated that CD11c MPs in all regions were capable of capturing and presenting antigens. Together, this study defines a marked regional variation in epididymal antigen-presenting cells that could help us understand fertility and contraception but also has larger implications in inflammation and disease pathology.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7792679PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00392.2020DOI Listing

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