Open AccessFrom initial segment to cauda: a regional characterization of mouse epididymal CD11c+ mononuclear phagocytes based on immune phenotype and function
Author(s) -
Alexandra C. Mendelsohn,
Liliana M. Sanmarco,
Raúl G. Spallanzani,
Dennis Brown,
Francisco J. Quintana,
Sylvie Breton,
María Agustina Battistone
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
american journal of physiology. cell physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.432
H-Index - 181
eISSN - 1522-1563
pISSN - 0363-6143
DOI - 10.1152/ajpcell.00392.2020
Subject(s) - cd11c , biology , antigen , immune system , immunology , interleukin 7 receptor , population , cd8 , antigen presentation , macrophage , antigen presenting cell , cd64 , phenotype , microbiology and biotechnology , t cell , il 2 receptor , in vitro , medicine , genetics , environmental health , gene
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.