Macrophages and testosterone: how immune cells support adult testicular function
Official title: Macrophage interactions underlying adult testicular function
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11482169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how specific immune cells in the testicles help adult men make testosterone and what that means for treating low testosterone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 28, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $705,341 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD124040-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11482169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult men with low testosterone or those impacted by hypogonadism may benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals with low testosterone may not respond to immune- or macrophage-targeted approaches.
What this research studies
The project explores how testicular macrophages interact with Leydig cells to support testosterone production in adult men. Researchers will study cell signals and local factors that macrophages release to boost Leydig cell function and their response to LH. The work uses human tissue and experimental models to map these interactions and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve testosterone levels and male fertility. Findings could lead to new ways to treat male hypogonadism by harnessing the testicular immune environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new therapies that better support testosterone production and fertility in men with hypogonadism.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest macrophages influence testosterone production, indicating a promising but continuing line of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Defalco, Tony J. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Defalco, Tony J.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.