FIGURE 19.4.

Components and properties of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and their interaction with the male reproductive tract.

Innate immunity is the immediate response to infection and other external threats, subsequently activating the more delayed adaptive immune response. The male reproductive tract regulates innate and adaptive immunity in order to maintain protection against infections, while at the same time suppressing antigen-specific immunity to protect the spermatogenic cells (immune privilege). Activation of the innate and adaptive immune systems, due to infection or other inflammatory stimulus, has detrimental effects on male reproductive tract function, resulting in loss of androgens and spermatogenic disruption, and can lead to tissue damage, ongoing autoimmunity and infertility.