My main research interests include pathomechanisms of cell-cell interactions in the inflamed testes and epididymis leading to infertility. Here, investigations on the host-pathogen interaction as well as experimental approaches to improve therapies are in the focus.
Another research area investigates the phenotype and function of testicular macrophages and mechanisms of the cytokin MIF.
Contact details: Prof. Dr. Andreas Meinhardt, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Aulweg 123, D-35392 Gießen, Germany Phone: +49 641 9947024 Fax: +49 641 9947029
My research focuses on immunopathology of testicular inflammation and possible therapeutic interventions in a model of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) in mice and rats. EAO is a rodent model of, which reproduces immunopathological changes found also in human testicular biopsies of non-infectious origin.
Major research interests:
Reproductive immunology
Testicular inflammation
Testosterone as immunosuppressive factor in testicular inflammation
Role of immunological factors (cytokines, immune cells, auto-antibodies) and hormones in the development and pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) in rodents
Relevance of galectins in testicular inflammation
Diagnostic biomarkers of testicular inflammatory processes
Gender-specific influence of testosterone on Foxp3 transcription factor regulation in regulatory T cells
Contact details: Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Aulweg 123, D-35392 Gießen, Germany Phone: +49 641 99 47032 office; 47034 lab Fax: +49 641 99 47049