Investigation of Macrophage Function in an Immunologically Privileged Site

This research project investigates the biology of the testis-resident macrophage. These cells are implicated in the normal development of the testis, through their ability to control tissue remodelling and angiogenesis, and in creating a unique environment which allows grafts to survive for extended periods. It is hypothesised that the testis macrophages have a characteristic phenotype, normally found in developing tumours and in post-inflammatory tissues, which inhibits inflammation and immunological rejection responses. This hypothesis will be tested, and we will seek to identify whether the local production of androgens, alone or together with other proteins, are responible for creating and maintaining this phenotype.