Testicular macrophages: Sculpting male fertility through immune regulation and tissue interactions

Abstract

Male infertility accounts for approximately 20–50 % of all infertility cases, with dysfunction in the testicular spermatogenic microenvironment identified as a pivotal factor contributing to this condition. Macrophages, which constitute 20–25 % of interstitial cells, are the most abundant immune cells in testicular tissue. These cells interact extensively with other testicular cell types to establish and maintain the spermatogenic microenvironment, playing critical roles in testicular development, spermatogenesis, and immune homeostasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biological functions of macrophages within the testicular microenvironment and explores their interactions with other cell populations.