Ferran Barrachina: Treg Cell Depletion Triggers Autoimmunity and Male Infertility
Ferran Barrachina, Director of Analytical and Therapeutic Development at Gameto, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper he and his colleagues co-authored published in Nature:
“Excited to share that a new article from my former postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital has been published in Nature Communications!
In this study, we demonstrate how the depletion of Treg cells disrupts immune tolerance in male reproductive organs. This breakdown leads to chronic autoimmunity, the production of anti-sperm antibodies, impaired sperm function, and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures, ultimately contributing to reduced fertility.
This work highlights key mechanisms underlying male infertility and opens new avenues for precision-targeted therapies and even contraceptive strategies.
Congratulations to the entire team, and especially to Maia Lina Elizagaray and Maria Agustina Battistone, for their outstanding contributions!
Link to the article.”
Title: Chronic inflammation drives epididymal tertiary lymphoid structure formation and autoimmune fertility disorders in mice
Authors: Maia L. Elizagaray, Ferran Barrachina, Maria C. Avenatti, Isinsu Bastepe, Angela Chen, Ainize Odriozola, Oluchi Ukairo, Vanina G. Da Ros, Kiera Ottino, Nerea Subiran and Maria A. Battistone

Stay updated on all scientific advances in the field of fertility with Fertility News.
-
Jun 19, 2026, 15:54Horace Roman: Sciatic Nerve Endometriosis – Prevent Muscle Atrophy Caused by Progressive Denervation
-
Jun 19, 2026, 15:36Why Does the Clock Read Older? – Fertility Plus
-
Jun 19, 2026, 15:28Asma Khalil: Study Raises Questions About Workplace Activities and Early Pregnancy Outcomes
-
Jun 19, 2026, 15:21Spindle Dynamics and Chromosome Segregation In Human Preimplantation Embryos – Fertility and Sterility
-
Jun 19, 2026, 15:12Today is World Sickle Cell Day – Preeclampsia Foundation
-
Jun 19, 2026, 14:59Marco Zaccaria: ESGE Webinar to Spotlight Advances in the Surgical Management of Parametrial Endometriosis
-
Jun 19, 2026, 14:46PMOS Does Not Make Conception Impossible – PCOS Awareness Association
-
Jun 19, 2026, 14:40Diana Kayal: Successful Fertility Programs Aren’t Built On Clinical Expertise Alone
-
Jun 19, 2026, 14:29Devyanshi Dixit: Call for Abstracts at GFWH 2026
