Spatiotemporal mapping reveals Ccl8^hi macrophages as key drivers of testicular inflammaging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Testicular macrophages (TMs) are key regulators of testicular immune privilege and endocrine function in the testis. However, their age-related heterogeneity and role in testicular degeneration remain poorly characterized.

Methods

We performed spatial transcriptomics and FACS-enriched single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize testicular macrophage heterogeneity across ageing. Key findings were validated through intratesticular injection of recombinant CCL8 protein, organotypic culture of seminiferous tubules, and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Using spatial transcriptomics, we identified pronounced Leydig niche senescence in aged testes, mechanistically linked to TM-mediated inflammatory remodelling. Coupling FACS-enriched TM isolation wi

SUBMITTER: Huang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12623838 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature