1
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Shrestha B, Schaefer A, Zhu Y, Saada J, Jacobs TM, Chavez EC, Omsted SS, Cruz-Teran CA, Vaca GB, Vincent K, Moench TR, Lai SK. Engineering sperm-binding IgG antibodies for the development of an effective nonhormonal female contraception. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/606/eabd5219. [PMID: 34380769 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd5219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many women risk unintended pregnancy because of medical contraindications or dissatisfaction with contraceptive methods, including real and perceived side effects associated with the use of exogenous hormones. We pursued direct vaginal delivery of sperm-binding monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that can limit progressive sperm motility in the female reproductive tract as a strategy for effective nonhormonal contraception. Here, motivated by the greater agglutination potencies of polyvalent immunoglobulins but the bioprocessing ease and stability of immunoglobulin G (IgG), we engineered a panel of sperm-binding IgGs with 6 to 10 antigen-binding fragments (Fabs), isolated from a healthy immune-infertile woman against a unique surface antigen universally present on human sperm. These highly multivalent IgGs (HM-IgGs) were at least 10- to 16-fold more potent and faster at agglutinating sperm than the parent IgG while preserving the crystallizable fragment (Fc) of IgG that mediates trapping of individual spermatozoa in mucus. The increased potencies translated into effective (>99.9%) reduction of progressively motile sperm in the sheep vagina using as little as 33 μg of the 10-Fab HM-IgG. HM-IgGs were produced at comparable yields and had identical thermal stability to the parent IgG, with greater homogeneity. HM-IgGs represent not only promising biologics for nonhormonal contraception but also a promising platform for engineering potent multivalent mAbs for other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawana Shrestha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alison Schaefer
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jamal Saada
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Timothy M Jacobs
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Dualogics LLC, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Chavez
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stuart S Omsted
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Carlos A Cruz-Teran
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gabriela Baldeon Vaca
- Divisions of Infectious Disease and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kathleen Vincent
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas R Moench
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.,Mucommune LLC, Durham, NC 27709, USA.,Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Samuel K Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. .,UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Mucommune LLC, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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2
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Esmailnejad A, Nikahval B, Mogheiseh A, Karampour R, Karami S. The detection of canine anti-sperm antibody following parenteral immunization of bitches against homogenized whole sperm. Basic Clin Androl 2020; 30:1. [PMID: 31993202 PMCID: PMC6977277 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-020-0100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds The development of a canine-specific method of immunocontraception is one of the non-invasive controlling strategies for humanely decreasing the dog population. This study was aimed to investigate the potential of whole sperm in stimulating the immune system and producing specific anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) in female dogs. Mature, mixed-breed bitches were subcutaneously immunized with high (200 × 106 cells/mL) and low (100 × 106 cells/mL) doses of sperm vaccine, emulsified with Freund’s adjuvants. Booster immunizations were given at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6, and serum samples were collected at days 0, 14, 28, 42, 63, and 84 prior to each immunization. Reproductive tract samples, including vaginal and uterine lavages, were also collected by flushing each section with sterile PBS at the end of the experiment. Canine anti-sperm antibody titer and specificity in sera and genital secretions were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results Specific anti-sperm antibodies were detected in the serum of both high and low dose groups and were significantly higher than those observed in the controls. A high dose of sperm induced elevated immune responses over the low dose antigen. Immunization with a high dose of sperm increased the level of ASAs in the uterine secretions and vaginal secretions significantly. Higher ASAs were observed to have transduced to the uterine lumen compared to the vagina. Conclusions Based on the results obtained in this study, parenteral immunization with whole sperm can induce a high level of specific antibodies in the serum and genital secretions of female dogs and the response would be dose-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Esmailnejad
- 1Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O.Box: 7144169155, Shiraz, Fars Iran
| | - Behrooz Nikahval
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars Iran
| | - Asghar Mogheiseh
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars Iran
| | - Romina Karampour
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars Iran
| | - Sanaz Karami
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars Iran
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3
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A. S. V, Dhama K, Chakraborty S, Abdul Samad H, K. Latheef S, Sharun K, Khurana SK, K. A, Tiwari R, Bhatt P, K. V, Chaicumpa W. Role of Antisperm Antibodies in Infertility, Pregnancy, and Potential forContraceptive and Antifertility Vaccine Designs: Research Progress and Pioneering Vision. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E116. [PMID: 31527552 PMCID: PMC6789593 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm of humans, non-human primates, and other mammalian subjects is considered to be antigenic. The effect of changes in autoimmunity on reproductive cells such as spermatozoa and oocytes play a critical but indistinct role in fertility. Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) are invariably present in both females and males. However, the degree of ASA occurrence may vary according to individual and gender. Although the extent of infertility due to ASAs alone is yet to be determined, it has been found in almost 9-12% of patients who are infertile due to different causes. Postcoital presence of spermatozoa in the reproductive tract of women is not a contributory factor in ASA generation. However, ASA generation may be induced by trauma to the vaginal mucosa, or by anal or oral sex resulting in the deposition of sperm inside the digestive tract. It is strongly believed that, in humans and other species, at least some antibodies may bind to sperm antigens, causing infertility. This form of infertility is termed as immunological infertility, which may be accompanied by impairment of fertility, even in individuals with normozoospermia. Researchers target ASAs for two major reasons: (i) to elucidate the association between ASAs and infertility, the reason ASAs causes infertility, and the mechanism underlying ASA-mediated infertility; and (ii) to assess the potential of ASAs as a contraceptive in humans in case ASAs influences infertility. Therefore, this review explores the potential application of ASAs in the development of anti-spermatozoa vaccines for contraceptive purposes. The usefulness of ASAs for diagnosing obstructive azoospermia, salpingitis, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia has been reviewed extensively. Important patents pertaining to potential candidates for spermatozoa-derived vaccines that may be utilized as contraceptives are discussed in depth. Antifertility vaccines, as well as treatments for ASA-related infertility, are also highlighted. This review will address many unresolved issues regarding mechanisms involving ASAs in the diagnosis, as well as prognoses, of male infertility. More documented scientific reports are cited to support the mechanisms underlying the potential role of ASA in infertility. The usefulness of sperm antigens or ASAs (recombinant) in human and wild or captive animal contraceptive vaccines has been revealed through research but is yet to be validated via clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickram A. S.
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Young Scientist DST-SERB, Govt. of India, Saveetha Institute of Technical and Medical Sciences, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura 799008, India;
| | - Hari Abdul Samad
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Shyma K. Latheef
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Kumar Khurana
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India;
| | - Archana K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura 281001, India;
| | - Prakash Bhatt
- Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145 (Udham Singh Nagar), Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Vyshali K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteinsand Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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4
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Xiong W, Wang Z, Shen C. An update of the regulatory factors of sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct by genetically manipulated mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:935-955. [PMID: 31131960 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental MedicineShanghai Rui‐Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
- School of Life Sciences and BiochemistryShanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental MedicineShanghai Rui‐Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental MedicineShanghai Rui‐Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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5
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Fujihara Y, Miyata H, Ikawa M. Factors controlling sperm migration through the oviduct revealed by gene-modified mouse models. Exp Anim 2018; 67:91-104. [PMID: 29353867 PMCID: PMC5955741 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.17-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is comprised of many steps including sperm survival in the
uterus, sperm migration in the female reproductive tract, physiological and morphological
changes to the spermatozoa, and sperm-egg interaction in the oviduct. In
vitro studies have revealed essential factors for these fertilization steps for
over half a century. However, the molecular mechanism of fertilization has recently been
revised by the emergence of genetically modified animals. Here, we focus on essential
factors for sperm fertilizing ability and describe recent advances in our knowledge of the
mechanisms of mammalian fertilization, especially of sperm migration from the uterus into
the oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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6
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Cormier N, McGlone JJ, Leszyk J, Hardy DM. Immunocontraceptive target repertoire defined by systematic identification of sperm membrane alloantigens in a single species. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190891. [PMID: 29342175 PMCID: PMC5771590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competence in animal fertilization requires the collective activities of numerous sperm-specific proteins that are typically alloimmunogenic in females. Consequently, sperm membrane alloantigens are potential targets for contraceptives that act by blocking the proteins' functions in gamete interactions. Here we used a targeted proteomics approach to identify the major alloantigens in swine sperm membranes and lipid rafts, and thereby systematically defined the repertoire of these sperm-specific proteins in a single species. Gilts with high alloantibody reactivity to proteins in sperm membranes or lipid rafts produced fewer offspring (73% decrease) than adjuvant-only or nonimmune control animals. Alloantisera recognized more than 20 potentially unique sperm membrane proteins and five sperm lipid raft proteins resolved on two-dimensional immunoblots with or without prior enrichment by anion exchange chromatography. Dominant sperm membrane alloantigens identified by mass spectrometry included the ADAMs fertilin α, fertilin ß, and cyritestin. Less abundant alloantigens included ATP synthase F1 β subunit, myo-inositol monophosphatase-1, and zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein-2. Immunodominant sperm lipid raft alloantigens included SAMP14, lymphocyte antigen 6K, and the epididymal sperm protein E12. Of the fifteen unique membrane alloantigens identified, eleven were known sperm-specific proteins with uncertain functions in fertilization, and four were not previously suspected to exist as sperm-specific isoforms. De novo sequences of tryptic peptides from sperm membrane alloantigen "M6" displayed no evident homology to known proteins, so is a newly discovered sperm-specific gene product in swine. We conclude that alloimmunizing gilts with sperm membranes or lipid rafts evokes formation of antibodies to a relatively small number of dominant alloantigens that include known and novel sperm-specific proteins with possible functions in fertilization and potential utility as targets for immunocontraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Cormier
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - John J. McGlone
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - John Leszyk
- Proteomic and Mass Spectrometry Facility and Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel M. Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Springate L, Frasier TR. Gamete compatibility genes in mammals: candidates, applications and a potential path forward. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170577. [PMID: 28878999 PMCID: PMC5579115 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization represents a critical stage in biology, where successful alleles of a previous generation are shuffled into new arrangements and subjected to the forces of selection in the next generation. Although much research has been conducted on how variation in morphological and behavioural traits lead to variation in fertilization patterns, surprisingly little is known about fertilization at a molecular level, and specifically about how genes expressed on the sperm and egg themselves influence fertilization patterns. In mammals, several genes have been identified whose products are expressed on either the sperm or the egg, and which influence the fertilization process, but the specific mechanisms are not yet known. Additionally, in 2014 an interacting pair of proteins was identified: 'Izumo' on the sperm, and 'Juno' on the egg. With the identification of these genes comes the first opportunity to understand the molecular aspects of fertilization in mammals, and to identify how the genetic characteristics of these genes influence fertilization patterns. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of fertilization and gamete compatibility in mammals, which should provide a helpful guide to researchers interested in untangling the molecular mechanisms of fertilization and the resulting impacts on population biology and evolutionary processes.
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8
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Terayama H, Hirai S, Naito M, Qu N, Katagiri C, Nagahori K, Hayashi S, Sasaki H, Moriya S, Hiramoto M, Miyazawa K, Hatayama N, Li ZL, Sakabe K, Matsushita M, Itoh M. Specific autoantigens identified by sera obtained from mice that are immunized with testicular germ cells alone. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35599. [PMID: 27752123 PMCID: PMC5067510 DOI: 10.1038/srep35599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There are various autoimmunogenic antigens (AIs) in testicular germ cells (TGCs) recognized as foreign by the body's immune system. However, there is little information of TGC-specific AIs being available. The aim of this study is to identify TGC-specific AIs. We have previously established that immunization using viable syngeneic TGC can also induce murine experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) without using any adjuvant. This study is to identify TGC-specific AIs by TGC liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, followed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis that reacted with serum IgG from EAO mice. In this study, we identified 11 TGC-specific AIs that reacted with serum from EAO mice. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA expressions of seven TGC-specific AIs were significantly higher in only mature testis compared to other organs. Moreover, the recombinant proteins of identified 10 (except unnamed protein) TGC-specific AIs were created by using human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and these antigencities were reconfirmed by Western blot using EAO serum reaction. These results indicated Atp6v1a, Hsc70t, Fbp1 and Dazap1 were candidates for TGC-specific AIs. Identification of these AIs will facilitate new approaches for understanding infertility and cancer pathogenesis and may provide a basis for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Terayama
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Hirai
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Munekazu Naito
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ning Qu
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Katagiri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kenta Nagahori
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Hayashi
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiraku Sasaki
- Department of Health Science, School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shota Moriya
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Hiramoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miyazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Hatayama
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Zhong-Lian Li
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kou Sakabe
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masayuki Matsushita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Swegen A, Aitken RJ. Prospects for immunocontraception in feral horse population control: exploring novel targets for an equine fertility vaccine. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:853-863. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral horses populate vast land areas and often induce significant ecological and economic damage throughout the landscape. Non-lethal population control methods are considered favourable in light of animal welfare, social and ethical considerations; however, no single effective, safe and species-specific contraceptive agent is currently available for use in free-ranging wild and feral horses. This review explores aspects of equine reproductive physiology that may provide avenues for the development of specific and long-lasting immunocontraceptive vaccines and some of the novel strategies that may be employed to facilitate appropriate antigen discovery in future research. Potential antigen targets pertaining to spermatozoa, the ovary and oocyte, as well as the early conceptus and its associated factors, are reviewed in the context of their suitability for immunocontraceptive vaccine development.
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10
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Chen X, Liu X, Ren X, Li X, Wang L, Zang W. Discovery of human posterior head 20 (hPH20) and homo sapiens sperm acrosome associated 1 (hSPACA1) immunocontraceptive epitopes and their effects on fertility in male and female mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:416-27. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The key goals of immunocontraception research are to obtain full contraceptive effects using vaccines administered to both males and females. Current research concerning human anti-sperm contraceptive vaccines is focused on delineating infertility-related epitopes to avoid autoimmune disease. We constructed phage-display peptide libraries to select epitope peptides derived from human posterior head 20 (hPH20) and homo sapiens sperm acrosome associated 1 (hSPACA1) using sera collected from infertile women harbouring anti-sperm antibodies. Following five rounds of selection, positive colonies were reconfirmed for reactivity with the immunoinfertile sera. We biopanned and analysed the chemical properties of four epitope peptides, named P82, Sa6, Sa37 and Sa76. Synthetic peptides were made and coupled to either bovine serum albumin (BSA) or ovalbumin. We used the BSA-conjugated peptides to immunise BALB/c mice and examined the effects on fertility in female and male mice. The synthetic peptides generated a sperm-specific antibody response in female and male mice that caused a contraceptive state. The immunocontraceptive effect was reversible and, with the disappearance of peptide-specific antibodies, there was complete restoration of fertility. Vaccinations using P82, Sa6 and Sa76 peptides resulted in no apparent side effects. Thus, it is efficient and practical to identify epitope peptide candidates by phage display. These peptides may find clinical application in the specific diagnosis and treatment of male and female infertility and contraceptive vaccine development.
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11
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Fujihara Y, Ikawa M. GPI-AP release in cellular, developmental, and reproductive biology. J Lipid Res 2015; 57:538-45. [PMID: 26593072 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r063032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) contain a covalently linked GPI anchor located on outer cell membranes. GPI-APs are ubiquitously conserved from protozoa to vertebrates and are critical for physiological events such as development, immunity, and neurogenesis in vertebrates. Both membrane-anchored and soluble GPI-APs play a role in regulating their protein conformation and functional properties. Several pathways mediate the release of GPI-APs from the plasma membrane by vesiculation or cleavage. Phospholipases and putative substrate-specific GPI-AP-releasing enzymes, such as NOTUM, glycerophosphodiesterase 2, and angiotensin-converting enzyme, have been characterized in mammals. Here, the protein modifications resulting from the cleavage of the GPI anchor are discussed in the context of its physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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12
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Miller LMJ, Woodward EM, Campos JR, Squires EL, Troedsson MHT. Distribution Pattern(s) of Sperm Protein at 22 kDa (SP22) on Fresh, Cooled and Frozen/Thawed Equine Spermatozoa and Expression of SP22 in Tissues from the Testes and Epididymides of Normal Stallions. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:275-282. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- LMJ Miller
- Maxwell H.; Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - EM Woodward
- Maxwell H.; Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - JR Campos
- Maxwell H.; Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - EL Squires
- Maxwell H.; Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - MHT Troedsson
- Maxwell H.; Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
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13
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Hagen MW, Riddle A, McClendon E, Gong X, Shaver D, Srivastava T, Dean JM, Bai JZ, Fowke TM, Gunn AJ, Jones DF, Sherman LS, Grafe MR, Hohimer AR, Back SA. Role of recurrent hypoxia-ischemia in preterm white matter injury severity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112800. [PMID: 25390897 PMCID: PMC4229227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Although the spectrum of white matter injury (WMI) in preterm infants is shifting from cystic necrotic lesions to milder forms, the factors that contribute to this changing spectrum are unclear. We hypothesized that recurrent hypoxia-ischemia (rHI) will exacerbate the spectrum of WMI defined by markers of inflammation and molecules related to the extracellular matrix (hyaluronan (HA) and the PH20 hyaluronidase) that regulate maturation of the oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage after WMI. Methods We employed a preterm fetal sheep model of in utero moderate hypoxemia and global severe but not complete cerebral ischemia that reproduces the spectrum of human WMI. The response to rHI was compared against corresponding early or later single episodes of HI. An ordinal rating scale of WMI was compared against an unbiased quantitative image analysis protocol that provided continuous histo-pathological outcome measures for astrogliosis and microglial activation. Late oligodendrocyte progenitors (preOLs) were quantified by stereology. Analysis of hyaluronan and the hyaluronidase PH20 defined the progressive response of the extracellular matrix to WMI. Results rHI resulted in a more severe spectrum of WMI with a greater burden of necrosis, but an expanded population of preOLs that displayed reduced susceptibility to cell death. WMI from single episodes of HI or rHI was accompanied by elevated HA levels and increased labeling for PH20. Expression of PH20 in fetal ovine WMI was confirmed by RT-PCR and RNA-sequencing. Conclusions rHI is associated with an increased risk for more severe WMI with necrosis, but reduced risk for preOL degeneration compared to single episodes of HI. Expansion of the preOL pool may be linked to elevated hyaluronan and PH20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Hagen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Art Riddle
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Evelyn McClendon
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Xi Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Daniel Shaver
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Taasin Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Justin M. Dean
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ji-Zhong Bai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tania M. Fowke
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Daniel F. Jones
- New Zealand Genomics Ltd./Bioinformatics Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Larry S. Sherman
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Marjorie R. Grafe
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - A. Roger Hohimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Stephen A. Back
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Guo X, Shi Y, Sheng J, Wang F. A novel hyaluronidase produced by Bacillus sp. A50. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94156. [PMID: 24736576 PMCID: PMC3988017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronidases are a family of enzymes that degrade hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan, HA) and widely used in many fields. A hyaluronidase producing bacteria strain was screened from the air. 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) analysis indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Bacillus, and the strain was named as Bacillus sp. A50. This is the first report of a hyaluronidase from Bacillus, which yields unsaturated oligosaccharides as product like other microbial hyaluronate lyases. Under optimized conditions, the yield of hyaluronidase from Bacillus sp. A50 could reach up to 1.5×104 U/mL, suggesting that strain A50 is a good producer of hyaluronidase. The hyaluronidase (HAase-B) was isolated and purified from the bacterial culture, with a specific activity of 1.02×106 U/mg protein and a yield of 25.38%. The optimal temperature and pH of HAase-B were 44°C and pH 6.5, respectively. It was stable at pH 5–6 and at a temperature lower than 45°C. The enzymatic activity could be enhanced by Ca2+, Mg2+, or Ni2+, and inhibited by Zn2+, Cu2+, EDTA, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), deferoxamine mesylate salt (DFO), triton X-100, Tween 80, or SDS at different levels. Kinetic measurements of HAase-B towards HA gave a Michaelis constant (Km) of 0.02 mg/mL, and a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 0.27 A232/min. HAase-B also showed activity towards chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) with the kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, 12.30 mg/mL and 0.20 A232/min respectively. Meanwhile, according to the sequences of genomic DNA and HAase-B’s part peptides, a 3,324-bp gene encoding HAase-B was obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Bloomage Freda Biopharm Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Yanli Shi
- Bloomage Freda Biopharm Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Juzheng Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengshan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- * E-mail:
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Garside D, Gebril A, Alsaadi M, Ferro VA. Fertility control in wildlife: review of current status, including novel and future technologies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:467-88. [PMID: 25091920 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Overpopulation of selected groups of animals is widely recognised as an issue that can have adverse effects on several current global problems, such as animal and human health, conservation and environmental changes. This review will, therefore, focus on recent novel contraception together with future technologies that may provide additional contraceptive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Garside
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
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16
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Schumacher J, Rosenkranz D, Herlyn H. Mating systems and protein-protein interactions determine evolutionary rates of primate sperm proteins. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 281:20132607. [PMID: 24307672 PMCID: PMC3866406 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the relative impact of functional constraint and post-mating sexual selection on sequence evolution of reproductive proteins, we examined 169 primate sperm proteins. In order to recognize potential genome-wide trends, we additionally analysed a sample of altogether 318 non-reproductive (brain and postsynaptic) proteins. Based on cDNAs of eight primate species (Anthropoidea), we observed that pre-mating sperm proteins engaged in sperm composition and assembly show significantly lower incidence of site-specific positive selection and overall lower non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates (dN/dS) across sites as compared with post-mating sperm proteins involved in capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and fertilization. Moreover, database screening revealed overall more intracellular protein interaction partners in pre-mating than in post-mating sperm proteins. Finally, post-mating sperm proteins evolved at significantly higher evolutionary rates than pre-mating sperm and non-reproductive proteins on the branches to multi-male breeding species, while no such increase was observed on the branches to unimale and monogamous species. We conclude that less protein–protein interactions of post-mating sperm proteins account for lowered functional constraint, allowing for stronger impact of post-mating sexual selection, while the opposite holds true for pre-mating sperm proteins. This pattern is particularly strong in multi-male breeding species showing high female promiscuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schumacher
- Institute of Anthropology, University of Mainz, , Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 7, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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Gupta SK, Shrestha A, Minhas V. Milestones in contraceptive vaccines development and hurdles in their application. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 10:911-25. [PMID: 24262991 DOI: 10.4161/hv.27202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines have been proposed for controlling the growing human population and wildlife population management. Multiple targets such as gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, gonadotropin receptors, sperm-specific proteins and zona pellucida glycoproteins have been exploited to develop contraceptive vaccine and their efficacy investigated and shown in various experimental animal models. Vaccines based on GnRH have found application in immuno-castration of male pigs for prevention of boar-taint. Vaccines based on zona pellucida glycoproteins have shown promising results for population management of wild horses and white-tailed deer. Phase II clinical trials in women with β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)-based contraceptive vaccine established proof of principle that these can be developed for human application. Block in fertility by β-hCG contraceptive vaccine was reversible. Further research inputs are required to establish the safety of contraceptive vaccines, improve their immunogenicity and to develop novel vaccine delivery platforms for providing long lasting immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; Aruna Asaf Ali Marg; New Delhi, India
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18
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Abstract
Although the twentieth century has seen great strides in the development of female contraception, not a single new agent has been introduced as an approved method for common use for male contraception. Condoms (considered uncomfortable by some) and vasectomy (a permanent invasive procedure) are the only options provided to men, leaving an undue burden on women to bear contraceptive responsibility. Significant developments have, however, been made with regard to hormonal and nonhormonal contraception, and minor, reversible, procedural contraception. This article reviews the currently available, soon to be available, and theoretically possible methods of male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kogan
- Department of Urology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 3 RCP, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089, USA
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19
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Avella MA, Xiong B, Dean J. The molecular basis of gamete recognition in mice and humans. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:279-89. [PMID: 23335731 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful fertilization heralds the onset of development and requires both gamete recognition and a definitive block to polyspermy. Sperm initially bind and penetrate the extracellular zona pellucida (ZP) that surrounds ovulated eggs, but are unable to bind the zona surrounding preimplantation embryos. The ZP of humans is composed of four (ZP1-4) and that of mouse three (ZP1-3) glycoproteins. Models for gamete recognition developed in mice had proposed that sperm bind to ZP3 glycans. However, phenotypes observed in genetically engineered mice are not consistent with this widely accepted model. More recently, taking advantage of the observation that human sperm do not bind to mouse eggs, human ZP2 was defined as the zona ligand in transgenic mouse models using gain-of-function assays. The sperm-binding site is an N-terminal domain of ZP2 that is cleaved by ovastacin, a metalloendoprotease released from egg cortical granules following fertilization. Proteolysis of this docking site provides a definitive block to polyspermy as sperm bind to uncleaved, but not cleaved ZP2 even after fertilization and cortical granule exocytosis. While progress has been made in defining the ZP ligand, less headway has been made in identifying the cognate sperm receptor. Although a number of sperm receptor candidates have been documented to interact with specific proteins in the ZP in vitro, continued fertility after genetic ablation of the cognate gene indicates that none are essential for gamete recognition. These on-going investigations inform reproductive medicine and suggest new therapies to improve fertility and/or provide contraception, thus expanding reproductive choices for human couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo A Avella
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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20
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Dacheux JL, Belleannée C, Guyonnet B, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Ecroyd H, Druart X, Gatti JL, Dacheux F. The contribution of proteomics to understanding epididymal maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:197-210. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.663233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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21
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Liu M, Wan X, Yin Y, Li YX, Sun F, Zhang Z, Wang YL. Subfertile effects of quinestrol and levonorgestrel in male rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:297-308. [PMID: 22281075 DOI: 10.1071/rd10221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The contraceptive regimen consisting of levonorgestrel and quinestrol (EP-1) has been shown to be effective in several types of wild rodents. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EP-1 and its two components on fertility and spermatogenesis to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its contraceptive effect. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0.33 mgkg(-1) quinestrol (E group), 0.67 mgkg(-1) levonorgestrel (P group) or their combination (EP group) for 7 days and then killed on Days 21 or 42 after treatment for tissue analysis. On Day 21, the weight of the cauda epididymis decreased significantly, while the weight of the adrenal gland increased significantly in the E and EP groups compared with the weights in the control group. In addition, there was a significant decrease in sperm number in the E and EP groups compared with the control group and there was less staining for the androgen receptor and Wilms' tumour nuclear protein 1 in the E and EP groups. The primary defects in E- or EP-treated rats were abnormal spermiogenesis, lack of elongating spermatids, and pachytene spermatocyte arrest. Analysis of MutL homologue 1 revealed that EP treatment inhibited chromosome recombination during meiosis, but did not cause obvious genetic abnormalities. These data demonstrate that quinestrol, alone or in combination with levonorgestrel, induces subfertility in male rats mainly by interfering with germ cell differentiation. Thus, EP-1 or E alone may be effective contraceptive regimens for fertility control in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insets and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Beijing 100101, China
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22
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Sexual size dimorphism predicts rates of sequence evolution of SPerm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1, also PH-20) in monkeys, but not in hominoids (apes including humans). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2012; 63:52-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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23
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Wu SC, Yang HT, Liu M. Biochemical identification and characterisation of changes associated with capacitation of mannosylated glycoproteins in murine sperm. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:747-55. [PMID: 22129428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01261.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a sperm normally ends in the female reproductive track through an extra-testicular maturation process termed capacitation. Previous studies in several mammalian species have revealed the presence of glycoconjugates and their capacitation-correlated changes in localisation. In this study, we used Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) to characterise mannosylated glycoconjugates in mouse sperm and their changes in distribution associated with capacitation. In freshly isolated sperm, three biochemically distinct sperm populations (type I, II and III) with specific LCA labelling were noted. Prior to capacitation, glycosylated materials were detected in the head region and approximately 26%, 65% and 9% of sperm displayed each distribution pattern. Following capacitation, the distribution pattern of these mannosylated constituents was not altered; however, re-localisation of these components was observed because the percentage of sperm exhibiting type I and III pattern was significantly changed. Finally, thirteen mannosylated glycoproteins were detected in murine sperm and our lectin blot data confirm that their redistribution instead of proteolytic degradation is mainly responsible for cellular dynamics we observed in murine sperm head associated with capacitation. In conclusion, this study is the first to describe the biochemical identification of LCA-binding glycoproteins present in mammalian sperm, which undergo redistribution as they mature to acquire their full fertilising ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-C Wu
- Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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24
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Shen ZG, He W, Zhang J, He HY, Yang X, Chen ZQ, Yang P, Li J, Liang ZQ, Wu YZ, Li JT. Induction of specific immune response and suppression of fertility by B-cell-epitope-based mimovirus vaccine. Reproduction 2011; 142:659-66. [PMID: 21908656 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
SPINLW1 (previously known as eppin (epididymal protease inhibitor)) is a target under intense scrutiny in the study of male contraceptive vaccines. B-cell-dominant epitopes are now recognized as key parts of the induction of humoral immune responses against target antigens. The generation of robust humoral responses in vivo has become a crucial problem in the development of modern vaccines. In this study, we developed a completely novel B-cell-dominant-epitope-based mimovirus vaccine, which is a kind of virus-size particulate antigen delivery system. The mimovirus successfully self-assembled from a cationic peptide containing a cell-penetrating peptide of TAT49-57 and a plasmid DNA encoding both three SPINLW1 (103-115) copies and adjuvant C3d3. The male mice were immunized with the epitope-based mimovirus vaccine, which resulted in a gradual elevation of specific serum IgG antibody levels. These reached a peak at week 4. Mating for the fertility assay showed that the mimovirus vaccine had accomplished a moderate fertility inhibition effect and investigation into the mechanism of action showed that it did so by interfering with the reproductive function of the sperm but that it did not damage the structures of the testes or cause serum testosterone to decline. Our results suggest an ideal protocol for suppressing fertility in mice by an engineered mimovirus vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-gang Shen
- Institute of Immunology, PLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, People's Republic of China
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25
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Sasanami T, Yoshizaki N, Dohra H, Kubo H. Sperm acrosin is responsible for the sperm binding to the egg envelope during fertilization in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Reproduction 2011; 142:267-76. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
An antibody library against quail sperm plasma membrane components was established and a mAb, which strongly inhibits sperm perforations of the perivitelline membrane (PVM) was obtained from the library. The antigen molecule of the mAb showed an apparent molecular weight of 45 kDa, and was distributed both on the surface and in the acrosomal matrix of the sperm head. Periodate oxidation revealed that the epitope of the antigen includes a sugar moiety. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the antigen revealed that the mAb recognizes sperm acrosin. When sodium dodecyl sulfate-solubilized PVM immobilized on a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane was incubated with sperm plasma membrane lysates, the sperm acrosin was detected on the PVM immobilized on the membrane, indicating that the sperm acrosin interacts with the components of PVM. Indeed, the mAb effectively inhibited the binding of acrosome-intact sperm to the PVM. These results indicate that the 45 kDa sperm acrosin is involved in the binding of sperm to the PVM in fertilization of Japanese quail.
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Wang D, Li N, Liu M, Huang B, Liu Q, Liu X. Behavioral evaluation of quinestrol as a sterilant in male Brandt's voles. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:1024-30. [PMID: 21763706 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The theoretical, ecological, physiological, and mathematical aspects of fertility control in mammals have already been well studied, but little attention has been given to the behavioral effects, especially in rodents. We investigated the effects of quinestrol, a synthetic estradiol analog, on social behavior and reproductive physiology in male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). Over seven successive days, four concentration gradients of quinestrol (none, 0.001%, 0.003%, and 0.006%) were separately mixed into feed and provided to male Brandt's voles. Reproductive parameters, including the reproductive organ indexes, testosterone level and reproductive ability, were observed and collected 2 weeks after finished feeding treatment and again after 4 weeks. Dyadic social encounters and female preferences were then recorded for the control males (no quinestrol) and the highest concentration group (0.006%). Results showed that quinestrol reduced the consumption of feed. Physiological data revealed that quinestrol had also effectively reduced the reproductive organs indexes, testosterone levels, female pregnancy rates and litter size. This phenomenon was especially evident in the highest concentration group only after 2 weeks of feeding. Behavioral results showed that both frequency and duration of female preference were unbiased between control and treated males. In social conflict tests, control pairs (CC) had lower latency toward initial attack than treated pairs (TT) and pairs of one control and one treated male (CT). Among the three pairs, there was no evident difference in patterns of mutual attack and agonistic behavior. In CT pairs, sterile males have the same winning rate and agonistic behavior as control males. Our data revealed that quinestrol has anti-fertility capabilities with little behavioral side effects on Brandt's voles, which suggested quinestrol's potential as a sterilant for Brandt's voles. The palatability, however, should be improved before field practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Weed and Rodent Biology and Management, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing, 100193, China
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Khan SA, Jadhav SV, Suryawanshi AR, Bhonde GS, Gajbhiye RK, Khole VV. Evaluation of Contraceptive Potential of a Novel Epididymal Sperm Protein SFP2 in a Mouse Model. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:185-98. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01030.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Gupta SK, Srinivasan VA, Suman P, Rajan S, Nagendrakumar SB, Gupta N, Shrestha A, Joshi P, Panda AK. Contraceptive vaccines based on the zona pellucida glycoproteins for dogs and other wildlife population management. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:51-62. [PMID: 21501280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins, by virtue of their critical role in fertilization, have been proposed as candidate antigens for the development of contraceptive vaccines. In this review, the potential of a ZP-based contraceptive vaccine for the management of wildlife population, with special reference to street dogs, is discussed. Immunization of various animal species, including female dogs, with native porcine ZP led to inhibition of fertility, which was associated with the ovarian dysfunction. Immunization of female dogs with Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant dog ZP glycoprotein-3 (ZP3) either coupled to diphtheria toxoid or expressed as fusion protein with 'promiscuous' T non-B-cell epitope of tetanus toxoid also led to inhibition of fertility. To improve the contraceptive efficacy of ZP-based contraceptive vaccine, various groups are working on improving the immunogen, use of DNA vaccine as prime-boost strategy, and delivering the zona proteins/peptides presented on either virus-like particles or entrapped in microsphere. Host-specific live vectors such as ectromelia virus and cytomegalovirus have also been used to deliver mouse ZP3 in mice. Various studies show the enormous potential of the ZP-based vaccine for the management of wildlife population, where permanent sterilization may be desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.
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McLaughlin EA, Aitken RJ. Is there a role for immunocontraception? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:78-88. [PMID: 20412833 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The world's population is continuing to grow at an alarming rate and yet no novel methods of contraception have been introduced since 1960s. The paucity of our current contraceptive armoury is indicated by the 46 million abortions that are performed each year, largely in developing countries where population growth is greatest. Thus, whatever new forms of fertility control we develop for the next millennium, the particular needs of developing countries should be borne in mind. Contraceptive vaccines have the potential to provide safe, effective, prolonged, reversible protection against pregnancy in a form that can be easily administered in the Third World. In this review we consider the contraceptive targets that might be pursued, how vaccines might be engineered and the problems generated by inter-individual variations in antibody titre. We conclude that the specifications for a safe, effective, reversible vaccine are more likely to be met in animals than man.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A McLaughlin
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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El-Safory NS, Fazary AE, Lee CK. Hyaluronidases, a group of glycosidases: Current and future perspectives. Carbohydr Polym 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ikawa M, Inoue N, Benham AM, Okabe M. Fertilization: a sperm's journey to and interaction with the oocyte. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:984-94. [PMID: 20364096 DOI: 10.1172/jci41585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization comprises sperm migration through the female reproductive tract, biochemical and morphological changes to sperm, and sperm-egg interaction in the oviduct. Recent gene knockout approaches in mice have revealed that many factors previously considered important for fertilization are largely dispensable, or if they are essential, they have an unexpected function. These results indicate that what has been observed in in vitro fertilization (IVF) differs significantly from what occurs during "physiological" fertilization. This Review focuses on the advantages of studying fertilization using gene-manipulated animals and highlights an emerging molecular mechanism of mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-1, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Gray ME, Cameron EZ. Does contraceptive treatment in wildlife result in side effects? A review of quantitative and anecdotal evidence. Reproduction 2010; 139:45-55. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of contraceptive treatments has been extensively tested, and several formulations are effective at reducing fertility in a range of species. However, these formulations should minimally impact the behavior of individuals and populations before a contraceptive is used for population manipulation, but these effects have received less attention. Potential side effects have been identified theoretically and we reviewed published studies that have investigated side effects on behavior and physiology of individuals or population-level effects, which provided mixed results. Physiological side effects were most prevalent. Most studies reported a lack of secondary effects, but were usually based on qualitative data or anecdotes. A meta-analysis on quantitative studies of side effects showed that secondary effects consistently occur across all categories and all contraceptive types. This contrasts with the qualitative studies, suggesting that anecdotal reports are insufficient to investigate secondary impacts of contraceptive treatment. We conclude that more research is needed to address fundamental questions about secondary effects of contraceptive treatment and experiments are fundamental to conclusions. In addition, researchers are missing a vital opportunity to use contraceptives as an experimental tool to test the influence of reproduction, sex and fertility on the behavior of wildlife species.
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Dun MD, Mitchell LA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Sperm-zona pellucida interaction: molecular mechanisms and the potential for contraceptive intervention. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2010:139-178. [PMID: 20839091 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
At the moment of insemination, millions of mammalian sperm cells are released into the female reproductive tract with the single goal of finding the oocyte. The spermatozoa subsequently ignore the thousands of cells they make contact with during their journey to the site of fertilization, until they reach the surface of the oocyte. At this point, they bind tenaciously to the acellular coat, known as the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and orchestrate a cascade of cellular interactions that culminate in fertilization. These exquisitely cell- and species- specific recognition events are among the most strategically important cellular interactions in biology. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them has implications for the etiology of human infertility and the development of novel targets for fertility regulation. Herein we describe our current understanding of the molecular basis of successful sperm-zona pellucida binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Dun
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Vaccines for immunological control of fertility. Reprod Med Biol 2009; 9:61-71. [PMID: 29699331 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-009-0042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have been proposed as one of the strategies for population control. Immunocontraceptive vaccines can be designed to inhibit: (1) production of gametes (sperm and egg); (2) functions of gametes, leading to blocking of fertilization; and (3) gamete outcome (pregnancy). Immunization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone coupled to different carriers has shown curtailment in the production of sperm with concomitant infertility in various species. Immunization of nonhuman primates and men with ovine follicle stimulating hormone has also resulted in reduced sperm output. Various spermatozoa-specific proteins such as FA1, PH-20, LDH-C4, SP-10, SP-17, sp56, SPAG9, and Izumo have been proposed as candidate antigens to develop contraceptive vaccines, which have shown efficacy in inhibiting fertility in different animal models. Immunization with zona pellucida glycoproteins-based immunogens also results in curtailment of fertility in a variety of species. However, ways to overcome the observed oophoritis associated with zona proteins immunization have yet to be discovered, a necessary step before their proposal for control of human population. Nonetheless, this is a very promising approach to control wildlife animal population. Phase II clinical trials of β-human chorionic gonadotropin-based vaccine in women have established the proof of principle that it is possible to inhibit fertility without any untoward side-effects by vaccination. Further scientific inputs are required to increase the efficacy of contraceptive vaccines and establish their safety beyond doubt, before they can become applicable for control of fertility in humans.
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Xu J, Liu X, Chen J, Zacharek A, Cui X, Savant-Bhonsale S, Chopp M, Liu Z. Cell-cell interaction promotes rat marrow stromal cell differentiation into endothelial cell via activation of TACE/TNF-alpha signaling. Cell Transplant 2009; 19:43-53. [PMID: 19796498 PMCID: PMC2850940 DOI: 10.3727/096368909x474339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into various cell types including endothelial cells. Microenvironment is important in cell fate determination. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE), a well-characterized "sheddase," participates in the differentiation process of multiple lineages by the proteolytic release of membrane-bound proteins such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). We investigated the endothelial differentiation of MSCs under two coculture conditions: 1) direct MSCs-rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) contact coculture; and 2) indirect coculture of MSCs and rBMECs. Also, we examined the role of TACE/TNF-alpha signaling in the process of differentiation under direct coculture condition. We found that endothelial differentiation of MSCs was substantially enhanced in MSCs-rBMECs direct contact coculture, but not in indirect transwell coculture condition. Transcript levels of TACE and TNF-alpha as well as TACE protein expression were significantly upregulated in direct, but not in indirect, coculture condition. Addition of human recombinant TACE promoted gene expression of endothelial specific markers including vWF, CD31, VE-cadherin, Flk-1, and Flt-1 in the differentiating MSCs. Furthermore, inhibition of TACE with TAPI-2 or inhibition of TNF-alpha with Etanercept attenuated endothelial differentiation of MSCs in the direct coculture condition. We demonstrated for the first time that direct MSCs-rBMECs interaction stimulated the endothelial differentiation of MSCs via TACE/TNFalpha signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
It has been estimated that 500 million couples world-wide have no access to contraception and that approximately 20% of births between 1995 and 2000 will be unwanted. Such statistics have important implications for the rate of world population growth and the possibility of maintaining a sustainable population. Although political change and the empowerment of women across the world will help address these issues, it will also be important to increase the availability of contraceptives; not only the modalities that are in current use, but also novel methods that will satisfy needs that are presently unfulfilled. One such alternative could be a vaccine targeting the human spermatozoon.
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Immunogenicity of zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 and spermatozoa YLP12 peptides presented on Johnson grass mosaic virus-like particles. Vaccine 2009; 27:2948-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 03/01/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Veaute C, Furlong LI, Cameo M, Harris JD, Vazquez-Levin MH. Antiacrosin antibodies and infertility. II. Gene immunization with human proacrosin to assess the effect of immunity toward proacrosin/acrosin upon protein activities and animal fertility. Fertil Steril 2009; 91:1256-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2007] [Revised: 01/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Wang M, Lv Z, Shi J, Hu Y, Xu C. Immunocontraceptive potential of the Ig-like domain of Izumo. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:794-801. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Chen Z, He W, Liang Z, Yan P, He H, Tang Y, Zhang J, Shen Z, Ni B, Wu Y, Li J. Protein prime–peptide boost as a new strategy induced an Eppin dominant B-cell epitope specific immune response and suppressed fertility. Vaccine 2009; 27:733-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wang Y, Zhang N, Zhang X, Miao S, Zong S, Koide SS, Wang L. Experimental immunological infertility effect of anti-GAPDH-2 antibodies on the fertility of female mice. Fertil Steril 2008; 92:2020-7. [PMID: 18980760 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Revised: 08/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between an antibody against GAPDH-2, a sperm-specific protein, and infertility of female mice. DESIGN Basic research. SETTING National Research Institute for Family Planning Beijing, World Health Organization Collaboration Center of Human Reproduction. ANIMAL(S) New Zealand rabbit, NIH and ICR mice. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, Western blot and indirect immunostaining assays, standard fertility assay, and sperm agglutination assay. RESULT(S) Antibodies against the full-length GAPDH-2 were raised. Its specificity was assessed by immunoblotting and indirect immunostaining assays. The antibody immunoreacted with human sperm GAPDH-2 and the mouse homolog GAPDS but did not cross-react with GAPDH. Treatment of female mice with IP injection of anti-GAPDH-2 serum significantly reduced their fertility. Anti-GAPDH-2 serum caused the agglutination of normal mice sperm in vitro. The anti-GAPDH-2 antibody was detectable in the sera and uterine fluid of the mice immunized with GAPDH-2. CONCLUSION(S) These results show that GAPDH-2 should be further evaluated as a promising candidate in the development of an antifertility immunogen. Detecting anti-GAPDH-2 antibodies in the bodily fluid of subjects afflicted with indeterminate infertility may be a new diagnostic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Khobarekar BG, Vernekar V, Raghavan V, Kamada M, Maegawa M, Bandivdekar AH. Evaluation of the potential of synthetic peptides of 80kDa human sperm antigen (80kDaHSA) for the development of contraceptive vaccine for male. Vaccine 2008; 26:3711-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Sperm have been known to be antigenic for more than a century. There is a strong body of evidence that in humans and in other species at least some antibodies that bind to sperm antigens can cause infertility. Therefore, these antibodies are of interest today for two practical reasons. Firstly, the association of the antibodies with infertility means that they must be detected and then the couples treated appropriately. Secondly, because these antibodies can induce infertility they have the potential to be developed for contraceptive purposes in humans and also for the control of feral animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Cheng GY, Shi JL, Wang M, Hu YQ, Liu CM, Wang YF, Xu C. Inhibition of mouse acrosome reaction and sperm-zona pellucida binding by anti-human sperm membrane protein 1 antibody. Asian J Androl 2007; 9:23-9. [PMID: 17187156 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2007.00247.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the possible functions of human sperm membrane protein (hSMP-1) in the process of fertilization. METHODS A 576-bp cDNA fragment of HSD-1 gene coding for the extracellular domain of hSMP-1 was cloned and expressed. The localization of this protein on human and mouse sperm was determined by indirect immunofluorescent staining by using anti-recombinant hSMP-1 (anti-rhSMP-1) antibodies. Sperm acrosome reaction and sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding assay were carried out in 10-week-old BALB/c mice. RESULTS Recombinant hSMP-1 was successfully cloned and expressed. The expression of the native protein was limited on the acrosome of human and mouse sperm. Treatment of anti-rhSMP-1 antibodies significantly decreased the average number of sperms bound to each egg. Meanwhile, the percentage of acrosome reaction was decreased in comparison to pre-immune control after treatment with anti-rhSMP-1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that anti-rhSMP-1 antibody inhibited mouse acrosome reaction and sperm-ZP binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Yan Cheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Huyghe E, Nohra J, Vezzosi D, Bennet A, Caron P, Mieusset R, Bujan L, Plante P. Contraceptions masculines non déférentielles : revue de la littérature. Prog Urol 2007; 17:156-64. [PMID: 17489310 DOI: 10.1016/s1166-7087(07)92254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the state of progress of the various male contraceptive methods (with the exception of deferential methods). MATERIAL AND METHODS A review of the literature was performed by using the key words: male/contraception, limiting the search to original articles in English and French. Articles on vasectomy and the other deferential methods of contraception are not considered in the present review. RESULTS Three methods of male contraception are widely used at the present time: withdrawal, male condom and vasectomy, although other types of male contraception have been shown to be effective, including hormonal contraception, which appears to be the most promising technique and the subject of the majority of research. Other contraceptive methods (immunological, thermal...) could constitute possible alternatives. CONCLUSION Male contraception remains under-used, as only male condoms are commonly used (apart from withdrawal and vasectomy). Consequently, new research protocols in the field of male contraception must be strongly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Huyghe
- Service d'Urologie et Andrologie, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France.
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Khobarekar BG, Vernekar VJ, Prabagaran E, Raghavan VP, Bandivdekar AH. Studies on the Expression of 80-kDa Human Sperm Antigen in Rat Testis and Epididymis. J Histochem Cytochem 2007; 55:753-62. [PMID: 17371939 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.6a7132.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The 80-kDa human sperm antigen (HSA) has demonstrated to be a promising candidate for development of an antifertility vaccine because it is a sperm-specific, conserved, and immunogenic protein. The present study demonstrates the androgen-regulated expression of 80-kDa HSA in testis and epididymis of rat by immunohistochemistry (IHC), using its specific antibodies. Developmental expression of 80-kDa HSA was investigated on days 10, 20, 40, 60, and 90 of age in the testis and epididymis by IHC, and relative staining intensity was estimated by image analysis using BIOVIS software. On days 10 and 20, no significant staining was observed in the testis and epididymis, whereas it gradually increased from day 40 onwards. The highest staining was seen on day 90 in both testis and epididymis. Gradual increase in expression of 80-kDa HSA after day 40 suggests that it is possibly regulated by androgen. To study the androgen-regulated expression of 80-kDa, adult male rats were treated with 75 mg/kg body weight of ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), which selectively destroys Leydig cells and thus induces complete androgen withdrawal. It was observed that the staining intensity decreased following EDS treatment in rat testis as well as epididymis, and it was regained after supplementation with dihydrotestosterone. Increased expression during sexual maturation at the time of testosterone surge and its regulation by anti-androgen/androgen treatment suggest androgen-dependent expression of 80-kDa HSA in rat testis and epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharati G Khobarekar
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Strive T, Hardy CM, Reubel GH. Prospects for immunocontraception in the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes). WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/wr07007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The European red fox is an introduced pest species in Australia for which improved means of control are urgently needed. Research efforts have focussed recently on the development of novel biological control methods to reduce the serious impact this species continues to have on both native fauna and the sheep industry. The ultimate goal has been to generate an antifertility vaccine for use on foxes that relies on a process termed ‘immunocontraception’. A variety of proteins derived from sperm and oocytes, together with different delivery vectors, have been experimentally assessed for their ability to induce immunocontraceptive responses in foxes. Vaccine vectors screened have included Salmonella typhimurium, vaccinia virus and canine herpesvirus but suppression of fertility has yet to be achieved with any combination of antigen and delivery vector. Downregulation of fox mucosal antibodies during oestrus, lack of vector replication and low antibody responses to the target antigens have been the main constraints in successful fertility control. The fox is not well known as an experimental animal and the logistics of dealing with this difficult-to-handle species proved to be a major challenge when compared with other species, such as rabbits and mice. Despite these difficulties, research on fox immunocontraception has generated important insights into the reproductive biology, husbandry, biology and basic immunology of viral vectors in European red foxes. This information represents a valuable knowledge base should antifertility vaccination for foxes be revisited in the future.
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Rana R, Jagadish N, Garg M, Mishra D, Dahiya N, Chaurasiya D, Suri A. Immunogenicity study of recombinant human sperm-associated antigen 9 in bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata). Hum Reprod 2006; 21:2894-900. [PMID: 16959808 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human sperm-associated antigen 9 (hSPAG9) is of special interest attributing to the findings indicating that SPAG9 is an acrosomal molecule. SPAG9 is not only restricted to acrosomal compartment but also persists in equatorial segment post-acrosome reaction, which is a key location in sperm-egg interaction. METHODS AND RESULTS Immunogenicity studies in macaques were carried out with recombinant hSPAG9 (rhSPAG9) adsorbed on alum, which resulted in high titres of anti-rhSPAG9 antibodies as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoblotting analysis employing anti-rhSPAG9 antibodies generated in monkeys indicated that antibodies specifically reacted with native SPAG9 from macaque and human sperm and rhSPAG9 protein. Furthermore, indirect immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated SPAG9 localization in the acrosomal compartment of macaque and human sperm. In addition, monkey antibodies against rhSPAG9 significantly inhibited the human spermatozoa adherence or penetration in zona-free hamster oocytes. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that rhSPAG9 adsorbed on alum is highly immunogenic in subhuman primate model and therefore represents a suitable sperm-based vaccine immunogen for fertility trials in macaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Rana
- Genes and Proteins Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
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