1
|
Chen Y, Hasegawa A, Wakimoto Y, Shibahara H. Update on the research on the antigens of anti-sperm antibodies over the last decade. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104292. [PMID: 38964133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes the advancements over a decade of research on antigens of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs), which are key to male immune infertility. Despite the progress in assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the roles and mechanisms of ASAs and their antigens remains vital for immune infertility management. We conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed from January 2013 to December 2023 using the following keywords: "anti-sperm antibody," "sperm antigen," and "immune infertility." In this review, we focus on the discoveries in sperm antigen identification and characterization through proteomics, gene disruption technology, and immunoinformatics, along with the development of fertility biomarkers. Here, we discuss the clinical applications of improved ASA detection methods and the progress in the development of immunocontraceptive vaccines. The intersection of advanced diagnostic techniques and vaccine development represents a promising frontier in reproductive health. The findings also highlight the need for standardized ASA detection methods and a comprehensive molecular-level approach to understanding ASA-related infertility. These insights underscore the significance of ongoing reproductive immunology research in enhancing clinical fertility outcomes and contraceptive vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuekun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Akiko Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Yu Wakimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Koilpillai JN, Nunan E, Butler L, Pinaffi F, Butcher JT. Reversible Contraception in Males: An Obtainable Target? BIOLOGY 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38785772 PMCID: PMC11117788 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The last few decades have brought contraception to the forefront of research, with great strides made in effectively targeting and optimizing the physiology, pharmacology, and delivery processes that prevent pregnancy. However, these advances still predominantly target female contraceptives for the prevention of contraception, whereas targeting the male sex has lagged far behind. This has led to a marked deficiency in safe and effective male contraceptive agents, resulting in a heavy dependence on female contraceptives to prevent unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Current research in the veterinary field and in rodents highlights several promising avenues whereby novel, safe, and effective male contraceptive alternatives are being developed-with an emphasis on reduced side effects and reversibility potential. This review aims to discuss current and novel male contraceptives (both human and veterinary formulations) while highlighting their efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nandita Koilpillai
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Emily Nunan
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Landon Butler
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Fabio Pinaffi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Joshua T. Butcher
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gupta SK. Zona pellucida glycoproteins: Relevance in fertility and development of contraceptive vaccines. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13535. [PMID: 35249246 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) is composed of three to four glycoproteins, which plays an important role during fertilization. Mutations in the genes encoding zona proteins are reported in women with empty follicle syndrome, degenerated oocytes and those with an abnormal or no ZP further emphasizing their relevance during fertility. Immunization with either native or recombinant ZP glycoproteins/proteins leads to curtailment of fertility in various animal species. Observed infertility is frequently associated with ovarian pathology characterized by follicular atresia and degenerative changes in ZP, which may be due to oophoritogenic T cell epitope(s) within ZP glycoproteins. To avoid ovarian dystrophy, B cell epitopes of ZP glycoproteins have been mapped by using bio-effective monoclonal antibodies. Immunization with the immunogens encompassing the mapped B cell epitopes by and large led to amelioration of follicular atresia. However, their use for human application will require more rigorous research to establish their safety and reversibility of the contraceptive effect. Nonetheless, to minimize human-animal conflicts, ZP-based contraceptive vaccines have been used successfully in the population management of free-ranging animal species such as feral horses, white-tailed deer and elephants. To control zoonotic diseases, attempts are also underway to control the population of other animal species including stray dogs, which acts as one of the major vectors for the rabies virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Basic Medical Sciences Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
French H, Segabinazzi L, Middlebrooks B, Peterson E, Schulman M, Roth R, Crampton M, Conan A, Marchi S, Gilbert T, Knobel D, Bertschinger H. Efficacy and Safety of Native and Recombinant Zona Pellucida Immunocontraceptive Vaccines Formulated with Non-Freund's Adjuvants in Donkeys. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1999. [PMID: 36560409 PMCID: PMC9788400 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to test zona pellucida (ZP) vaccines’ immunocontraceptive efficacy and safety when formulated with non-Freund’s adjuvant (6% Pet Gel A and 500 Μg Poly(I:C)). Twenty-four jennies were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: reZP (n = 7) received three doses of recombinant ZP vaccine; pZP (n = 9) received two doses of native porcine ZP; and Control group (n = 8) received two injections of placebo. Jennies were monitored weekly via transrectal ultrasonography and blood sampling for serum progesterone profiles and anti-pZP antibody titres. In addition, adverse effects were inspected after vaccination. Thirty-five days after the last treatment, jacks were introduced to each group and rotated every 28 days. Vaccination with both pZP and reZP was associated with ovarian shutdown in 44% (4/9) and 71% (4/7) of jennies, 118 ± 33 and 91 ± 20 days after vaccination, respectively (p > 0.05). Vaccination delayed the chances of a jenny becoming pregnant (p = 0.0005; Control, 78 ± 31 days; pZP, 218 ± 69 days; reZP, 244 ± 104 days). Anti-pZP antibody titres were elevated in all vaccinated jennies compared to Control jennies (p < 0.05). In addition, only mild local injection site reactions were observed in the jennies after treatment. In conclusion, ZP vaccines formulated with non-Freund’s adjuvant effectively controlled reproduction in jennies with only minor localised side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilari French
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Lorenzo Segabinazzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Brittany Middlebrooks
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Erik Peterson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Martin Schulman
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory, Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Robyn Roth
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
| | - Michael Crampton
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
| | - Anne Conan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Silvia Marchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Trevor Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Darryn Knobel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Henk Bertschinger
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory, Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gupta SK, Toor S, Minhas V, Chaudhary P, Raman M, Anoop S, Panda AK. Contraceptive efficacy of recombinant porcine zona proteins and fusion protein encompassing canine ZP3 fragment and GnRH in female beagle dogs. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13536. [PMID: 35249251 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To manage population of dogs (Canis familiaris), the efficacy of recombinant proteins-based contraceptive vaccines to inhibit fertility has been evaluated in female beagle dogs. METHOD OF STUDY Female beagle dogs (n = 4) were immunized with physical mixture of Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant porcine ZP3 with promiscuous T cell epitope of tetanus toxoid (TT-KK-pZP3) and porcine ZP4 with promiscuous T cell epitope of bovine RNase (bRNase-KK-pZP4), or with a fusion protein encompassing dog ZP3 fragment and two copies of GnRH with appropriate promiscuous T cell epitopes (dZP3-GnRH2 ); control animals received only alum, the adjuvant. The immunized animals were followed-up for antibody titres by ELISA as well as for fertility status subsequent to mating with male dogs. RESULTS Active immunization of female dogs following a three injections schedule at 4-week intervals with a physical mixture of TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 as well as dZP3-GnRH2 , led to generation of significant antibody titres against respective recombinant proteins. Active immunization with dZP3-GnRH2 also led to generation of antibodies reactive with both dZP3 and GnRH. A booster dose on day 383 led to an increase in antibody titres and circulating antibodies against respective recombinant proteins could be observed on day 528. Antibodies in immune serum samples from dogs immunized with TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 or dZP3-GnRH2 reacted with native canine ZP as assessed by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Mating studies revealed a reduced number of pregnancies as well as a significant reduction in the number of pups born in the female dogs immunized with dZP3-GnRH2 as compared to the adjuvanted control. Curtailment of pregnancy in dZP3-GnRH2 immunized group was associated with antibody titres against dZP3-GnRH2 . However, immunization with recombinant TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 did not significantly decrease the number of pups born as compared to the adjuvanted control. CONCLUSION These studies revealed the potential of recombinant dZP3-GnRH2 -based contraceptive vaccine to curtail fertility in female dogs. Large scale studies to establish the efficacy and safety of this recombinant protein for the management of community dog population are thus warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Basic Medical Sciences Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Sagarika Toor
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vidisha Minhas
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Piyush Chaudhary
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - S Anoop
- Palamur Biosciences Private Limited, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, India
| | - Amulya K Panda
- Product Development Cell, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fløjgaard C, Pedersen PBM, Sandom CJ, Svenning J, Ejrnæs R. Exploring a natural baseline for large‐herbivore biomass in ecological restoration. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Fløjgaard
- Department of Ecoscience Section for Biodiversity and Conservation Aarhus University Rønde Denmark
| | - Pil Birkefeldt Møller Pedersen
- Department of Biology Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE) Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity Department of Biology Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
- Center for Landscape and Climate Research University of Leicester Leicester UK
| | | | - Jens‐Christian Svenning
- Department of Biology Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE) Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity Department of Biology Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Rasmus Ejrnæs
- Department of Ecoscience Section for Biodiversity and Conservation Aarhus University Rønde Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chorfa A, Goubely C, Henry-Berger J, Guiton R, Drevet JR, Saez F. Identification of Arvicola terrestris scherman Sperm Antigens for Immune Contraceptive Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189965. [PMID: 34576131 PMCID: PMC8465135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclical proliferation of the wild fossorial rodent Arvicola terrestris scherman (ATS) is critical in mid-mountain ecosystems of several European countries. Our goal is to develop an immunocontraceptive vaccine to control their fertility, as a sustainable alternative to chemical poisons currently used. Indeed, these chemicals cause the death of ATS predators and animals sharing their ecosystem, and current laws progressively limit their use, making the development of a targeted vaccination strategy an interesting and efficient alternative. In order to identify species-specific sperm antigens, male and female ATS received subcutaneous injections of whole ATS spermatozoa to elicit an immune response. The analysis of the immune sera led to the identification of 120 immunogenic proteins of sperm cells. Of these, 15 were strictly sperm-specific and located in different regions of the male gamete. Some of these antigens are proteins involved in molecular events essential to the reproductive process, such as sperm–egg interaction, acrosomal reaction, or sperm motility. This approach not only identified a panel of immunogenic proteins from ATS sperm cells, but also demonstrated that some of these proteins trigger an immune response in both male and female ATS. These spermatic antigens are good candidates for the development of a contraceptive vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joël R. Drevet
- Correspondence: (J.R.D.); (F.S.); Tel.: +33-4-73-40-74-13 (J.R.D.); +33-4-73-40-76-20 (F.S.)
| | - Fabrice Saez
- Correspondence: (J.R.D.); (F.S.); Tel.: +33-4-73-40-74-13 (J.R.D.); +33-4-73-40-76-20 (F.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Recipient of the IETS Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Richard Fayrer-Hosken, BVSc, PhD. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2_aw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
9
|
Joonè CJ, Nolan MB, Bertschinger HJ, Schulman ML. Researching immunocontraceptive vaccines with mares (Equus caballus) as both a target and model for African elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows: A review. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:146-152. [PMID: 31208844 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A sequence of studies is reviewed that reported the domestic horse (Equus caballus) mare as an appropriate and accessible research platform for recording clinical and laboratory data post-immunisation with anti- GnRH and -zona pellucida (ZP) immunocontraceptive vaccines. Experience with a native porcine ZP (pZP) vaccine in African elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows highlighted needs for improving vaccine formulations and more clearly defining associated ovarian effects and safety profiles. Initially, the efficacy, reversibility and safety of the GnRH vaccine Improvac® in mares was demonstrated using reproductive tract ultrasonography and concurrently measuring serum antibody titres and progesterone concentrations. Results informed the study design and minimally invasive monitoring of post-treatment ovarian steroid responses of this vaccine in free-ranging African elephant cows. A subsequent sequence of studies reported reversible contraceptive and immunological efficacy in pony mares immunised with pZP formulated with Freund's adjuvants. By comparison, mares treated with a recombinant ZP3 and ZP4 (reZP) vaccine showed disappointing responses. Unexpectedly, most pZP-treated mares showed ovarian inactivity. In attempting to understand this response, results showed the involvement of cytotoxic (CD8+) T-cells negatively correlated to serum ovarian steroid and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Of concern was the prevalence of injection-site lesions ascribable to Freund's adjuvants. Following this, mares treated with both pZP and a novel reZP vaccine formulated with non-Freund's adjuvants showed comparable immunological responses and ovarian inactivity, notably without adverse treatment reactions. In addition, measuring AMH showed promise for monitoring ovarian function in anti-ZP-treated animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolynne J Joonè
- College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Australia.
| | - Margaret B Nolan
- Section of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Henk J Bertschinger
- Section of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Martin L Schulman
- Section of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kuninaga N, Asano M, Matsuyama R, Minemoto T, Mori T, Suzuki M. Serological and histological evaluation of species-specific immunocontraceptive vaccine antigens based on zona pellucida 3 in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus). J Vet Med Sci 2019; 81:328-337. [PMID: 30587673 PMCID: PMC6395204 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) was introduced to
Japanese islands and has impacted on the island’s biodiversity. Population control has
been attempted through capturing but its efficiency has rapidly declined. Therefore, new
additional control methods are required. Our focus has been on the immunocontraceptive
vaccines, which act in an especially species-specific manner. The amino-acid sequence of
the mongoose ovum zona pellucida protein 3 (ZP3) was decoded and two types of synthetic
peptides (A and B) were produced. In this study, these peptides were administered to
mongooses (each n=3) and the sera were collected to verify immunogenicity using ELISA and
IHC. Treated mongoose sera showed an increasing of antibody titer according to
immunizations and the antigen-antibody reactions against the endogenous mongoose ZP. In
addition, IHC revealed that immune sera absorbed with each peptide showed a marked
reduction in reactivity, which indicated the specificity of induced antibodies. These
reactions were marked in peptide A treated mongoose sera, and the antibody titer of one of
them lasted for at least 21 weeks. These results indicated that peptide A was a potential
antigen, inducing autoantibody generation. Moreover, immunized rabbit antibodies
recognized mongoose ZP species-specifically. However, the induction of robust immune
memory was not observed. Also, the actual sterility effects of peptides remain unknown, it
should be verified as a next step. In any case, this study verified synthetic peptides we
developed are useful as the antigen candidates for immunocontraception of mongooses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naotoshi Kuninaga
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Makoto Asano
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Ryota Matsuyama
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15 Jo Nishi 7 Chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan
| | - Takahiro Minemoto
- Graduated from Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Takayuki Mori
- Graduated from Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Suzuki
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nolan MB, Schulman ML, Botha AE, Human AM, Roth R, Crampton MC, Bertschinger HJ. Serum antibody immunoreactivity and safety of native porcine and recombinant zona pellucida vaccines formulated with a non-Freund’s adjuvant in horses. Vaccine 2019; 37:1299-1306. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
12
|
Bertschinger HJ, Delsink A, Van Altena J, Kirkpatrick JF. Porcine zona pellucida vaccine immunocontraception of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows: A review of 22 years of research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.4102/abc.v48i2.2324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Background: The native porcine zona pellucida (pZP) vaccine has been successfully used for immunocontraception of wild horses, white-tailed deer and approximately 90 zoo species for more than 25 years.Objectives: To provide proof of concept and test contraceptive efficacy of pZP in African elephants. Once completed, test the population and behavioural effects on cows in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve (GMPGR). Following the GMPGR, test efficacy, population effects, safety and reversibility in 25 reserves with populations ranging from 9 to 700 elephants.Method: Histological sections were reacted with anti-pZP antibodies to provide proof of concept. From 1996 to 2000, 21 and 10 cows were treated with pZP vaccine in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and monitored for pregnancy. Population effects of pZP with Freund’s adjuvants (three vaccinations in Year 1 with one annual booster) were studied on 18 cows in the GMPGR. Another six game reserves with a total of 90 cows were added to the project. The project was then expanded to include another 18 reserves.Results: Binding of anti-pZP antibodies to elephant zona proteins was demonstrated in vitro. The KNP provided efficacy results of 56% and 80%, respectively. The contraceptive efficacy in the GMPGR and additional six reserves was 100% following calving of pregnant cows. Safety and lack of impact on social behaviour were demonstrated. In larger populations, efficacy was 95%.Conclusion: Contraceptive efficacy and safety of pZP vaccine could be demonstrated in small to large populations. The methodology is now being implemented in approximately 800 cows on 26 reserves across South Arica.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kuiper TR, Druce DJ, Druce HC. Demography and social dynamics of an African elephant population 35 years after reintroduction as juveniles. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R. Kuiper
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) Cascades South Africa
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation ScienceDepartment of ZoologyUniversity of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Dave J. Druce
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) Cascades South Africa
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Scottsville South Africa
| | - Heleen C. Druce
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Scottsville South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang Y, Zhang B, Li J, Aipire A, Li Y, Zhang F. Enhanced contraception of canine zona pellucida 3 DNA vaccine via targeting DEC-205 in mice. Theriogenology 2018; 113:56-62. [PMID: 29455062 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) is a potential antigen for the development of contraceptive vaccines to control animal population. In this study, we designed a canine ZP3 (CZP3) DNA vaccine through targeting DEC-205 (named as pcD-scFv-CZP3c) and investigated its contraceptive effect in mice. Female BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized 3 times at 2 weeks intervals. After immunization, humoral and cellular immune responses were detected by ELISA and flow cytometry. The results showed that pcD-CZP3 and pcD-scFv-CZP3c induced CZP3-specific antibody (Ab) responses both in serum and vaginal secretions compared to pcDNA3.1. Additionally, compared to pcD-CZP3, pcD-scFv-CZP3c increased the levels of CZP3-specific Abs after a third immunization. Abs induced by these two DNA vaccines could bind with mice and dogs oocytes. Moreover, pcD-scFv-CZP3c enhanced the activation of CD4+ T cells characterized by the increased frequencies of CD4+CD44+ T cells. Finally, the contraceptive effect was evaluated in the immunized mice. These two DNA vaccines significantly decreased a mean litter size of mice compared to pcDNA3.1, but pcD-scFv-CZP3c group showed the smallest mean litter size. The mean litter size of pcD-scFv-CZP3 were 3.2 ± 0.742 and 4.6 ± 1.118 in two mating tests, which were significantly lower than pcDNA3.1(P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the CZP3 DNA vaccine targeted with DEC-205 may be a potential strategy for developing a contraceptive DNA vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Jinyao Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Adila Aipire
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Fuchun Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Duncan CL, King JL, Stapp P. Effects of prolonged immunocontraception on the breeding behavior of American bison. J Mammal 2017; 98:1272-1287. [PMID: 29674785 PMCID: PMC5901074 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In late 2009, the Catalina Island Conservancy began using fertility control to replace periodic removals to manage an introduced population of American bison (Bison bison) on the island. Through the application of the immunocontraceptive vaccine porcine zona pellucida (PZP), population growth was slowed within 1 year, and halted over time. In response to lingering questions about the use of PZP to manage large, free-ranging wildlife populations, we sought to determine the reversibility of PZP by ceasing the annual application to a subset of 15 bison cows and monitoring for subsequent calf arrival, and to document changes in the timing and length of the breeding season in response to PZP by monitoring breeding behavior and assessing fecal progesterone (FP) levels for all 60 resident cows over a 13-month period. As of June 2017, no new calves had been observed on the island, suggesting that, following repeated annual treatment with PZP (3 or 4 years), bison do not resume normal reproduction for at least 4 or 5 years, and that fewer treatments would be advisable if a faster return to fertility is desired. Based on observations of bull and cow behavior, and FP levels, cows displayed estrous cycles consistently throughout the study period, indicating that bison may ovulate year-round when conception and its consequences, e.g., lactation and presence of calves, are blocked. Because there is little evidence that an extended breeding season would negatively impact the health of bulls or result in large numbers of out-of-season births on Catalina, PZP appears to be a highly effective tool for managing the population of introduced bison on the island. However, the extended period of contraception and breeding activity of both cows and bulls may make PZP less suitable in high-latitude, predator-rich environments where bison conservation remains a top priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calvin L Duncan
- Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA (CLD, PS)
| | - Julie L King
- Catalina Island Conservancy, Avalon, CA 90704, USA (CLD, JLK)
| | - Paul Stapp
- Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA (CLD, PS)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Coverdale TC, Kartzinel TR, Grabowski KL, Shriver RK, Hassan AA, Goheen JR, Palmer TM, Pringle RM. Elephants in the understory: opposing direct and indirect effects of consumption and ecosystem engineering by megaherbivores. Ecology 2017; 97:3219-3230. [PMID: 27870025 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Positive indirect effects of consumers on their resources can stabilize food webs by preventing overexploitation, but the coupling of trophic and non-trophic interactions remains poorly integrated into our understanding of community dynamics. Elephants engineer African savanna ecosystems by toppling trees and breaking branches, and although their negative effects on trees are well documented, their effects on small-statured plants remain poorly understood. Using data on 117 understory plant taxa collected over 7 yr within 36 1-ha experimental plots in a semi-arid Kenyan savanna, we measured the strength and direction of elephant impacts on understory vegetation. We found that elephants had neutral effects on most (83-89%) species, with a similar frequency of positive and negative responses among the remainder. Overall, estimated understory biomass was 5-14% greater in the presence of elephants across a range of rainfall levels. Whereas direct consumption likely accounts for the negative effects, positive effects are presumably indirect. We hypothesized that elephants create associational refuges for understory plants by damaging tree canopies in ways that physically inhibit feeding by other large herbivores. As predicted, understory biomass and species richness beneath elephant-damaged trees were 55% and 21% greater, respectively, than under undamaged trees. Experimentally simulated elephant damage increased understory biomass by 37% and species richness by 49% after 1 yr. Conversely, experimentally removing elephant damaged branches decreased understory biomass by 39% and richness by 30% relative to sham-manipulated trees. Camera-trap surveys revealed that elephant damage reduced the frequency of herbivory by 71%, whereas we detected no significant effect of damage on temperature, light, or soil moisture. We conclude that elephants locally facilitate understory plants by creating refuges from herbivory, which countervails the direct negative effects of consumption and enhances larger-scale biomass and diversity by promoting the persistence of rare and palatable species. Our results offer a counterpoint to concerns about the deleterious impacts of elephant "overpopulation" that should be considered in debates over wildlife management in African protected areas: understory species comprise the bulk of savanna plant biodiversity, and their responses to elephants are buffered by the interplay of opposing consumptive and non-consumptive interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Coverdale
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Tyler R Kartzinel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Kathryn L Grabowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Robert K Shriver
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | | | - Jacob R Goheen
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA
| | - Todd M Palmer
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Robert M Pringle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nuñez CMV, Adelman JS, Carr HA, Alvarez CM, Rubenstein DI. Lingering effects of contraception management on feral mare ( Equus caballus) fertility and social behavior. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox018. [PMID: 29977561 PMCID: PMC6007543 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Due to the extirpation of their natural predators, feral horse populations have expanded across the United States, necessitating their management. Contraception of females (mares) with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) is a popular option; however, effects to physiology and behavior can be substantial. On Shackleford Banks, North Carolina, USA, treated mares have exhibited cycling during the non-breeding season and demonstrated decreased fidelity to the band stallion, but PZP's long-term effects on mare physiology and behavior remain largely unexplored. After the contraception program was suspended in this population, we examined how prior exposure to varying levels of PZP treatment impacted (1) foaling probability and foaling dates (a proxy for ovulatory cycling) from 2009 to 2014 and (2) mare fidelity to the band stallion and reproductive behavior during 2013 and 2015. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of time since the mares' last treatment on these factors. Mares receiving any level of prior PZP treatment were less likely to foal than were untreated mares. Among mares that received 1-3 PZP applications, foaling probability increased with time since last treatment before declining, at ~6 years post-treatment. Mares that received 4+ applications did not exhibit a significant increase in foaling probability with time since last treatment. Moreover, previously treated mares continued to conceive later than did untreated mares. Finally, mares previously receiving 4+ treatments changed groups more often than did untreated mares, though reproductive behavior did not differ with contraception history. Our results suggest that although PZP-induced subfertility and its associated behavioral effects can persist after the cessation of treatment, these effects can be ameliorated for some factors with less intense treatment. Careful consideration to the frequency of PZP treatment is important to maintaining more naturally functioning populations; the ability to manage populations adaptively may be compromised if females are kept subfertile for extended periods of time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M V Nuñez
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - James S Adelman
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Haley A Carr
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Colleen M Alvarez
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Daniel I Rubenstein
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ovarian dysfunction associated with zona pellucida–based immunocontraceptive vaccines. Theriogenology 2017; 89:329-337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
19
|
Bertschinger HJ, Caldwell P. Fertility suppression of some wildlife species in southern Africa-a review. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51 Suppl 1:18-24. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- HJ Bertschinger
- Veterinary Population Management Laboratory; Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria; Pretoria South Africa
| | - P Caldwell
- Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic; Pretoria South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Joonè CJ, Bertschinger HJ, Gupta SK, Fosgate GT, Arukha AP, Minhas V, Dieterman E, Schulman ML. Ovarian function and pregnancy outcome in pony mares following immunocontraception with native and recombinant porcine zona pellucida vaccines. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:189-195. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. J. Joonè
- Section of Reproduction Department of Production Animal Studies Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - H. J. Bertschinger
- Section of Reproduction Department of Production Animal Studies Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - S. K. Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory National Institute of Immunology New Delhi India
| | - G. T. Fosgate
- Department of Production Animal Studies Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - A. P. Arukha
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory National Institute of Immunology New Delhi India
| | - V. Minhas
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory National Institute of Immunology New Delhi India
| | | | - M. L. Schulman
- Section of Reproduction Department of Production Animal Studies Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Naz RK, Saver AE. Immunocontraception for Animals: Current Status and Future Perspective. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 75:426-39. [PMID: 26412331 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An alternative to surgical sterilization for fertility control of animals (wild, zoo, farm, and domestic) is needed to prevent problems related to overpopulation, including culling and relocation. A PubMed and Google Scholar database search was conducted using the keywords 'contraceptive vaccine animals,' 'immunocontraception animals,' 'non-surgical sterilization animals,' 'PZP vaccine,' and 'GnRH vaccine.' The searches from 1972 to 2015 yielded over 1500 publications. These articles were read, and 375 were selected for detailed analysis. Articles referenced in these publications were also thoroughly examined. PZP and GnRH contraceptive vaccines (CVs) have been extensively investigated for fertility control of wild, zoo, farm, and domestic animal populations. Both vaccines have shown tremendous success with PZP vaccines taking the lead. Novel technologies and targets are being developed to improve existing vaccines and generate second-generation CVs. Single-shot vaccines, which can be delivered remotely, will greatly advance the field of immunocontraception for animal use with potential human application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ashley E Saver
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Maenhoudt C, Santos NR, Fontbonne A. Suppression of Fertility in Adult Dogs. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49 Suppl 2:58-63. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Maenhoudt
- UP Reproduction Animale; CERCA (Centre d'Etudes en Reproduction des Carnivores); Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
| | - NR Santos
- UP Reproduction Animale; CERCA (Centre d'Etudes en Reproduction des Carnivores); Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
| | - A Fontbonne
- UP Reproduction Animale; CERCA (Centre d'Etudes en Reproduction des Carnivores); Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
- UMR 1198 INRA/ENVA; Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rubio-Martínez LM, Hendrickson DA, Stetter M, Zuba JR, Marais HJ. Laparoscopic Vasectomy in African Elephants (Loxodonta africana). Vet Surg 2014; 43:507-14. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2014.12163.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Rubio-Martínez
- Department of Companion Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria; Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - Dean A. Hendrickson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Colorado State University; Fort Collins Colorado
| | | | | | - Hendrik J. Marais
- Department of Companion Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria; Onderstepoort South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kobayashi K, Asano M, Yanagawa Y, Haneda S, Matsui M. An Attempt to Induce Antibody Production for Immunocontraception in the Hokkaido Sika Deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) by Immunization with a Porcine Zona Pellucida Synthetic Peptide. MAMMAL STUDY 2014. [DOI: 10.3106/041.039.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
25
|
Ransom JI, Powers JG, Thompson Hobbs N, Baker DL. Ecological feedbacks can reduce population-level efficacy of wildlife fertility control. J Appl Ecol 2014; 51:259-269. [PMID: 25558083 PMCID: PMC4278530 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic stress on natural systems, particularly the fragmentation of landscapes and the extirpation of predators from food webs, has intensified the need to regulate abundance of wildlife populations with management. Controlling population growth using fertility control has been considered for almost four decades, but nearly all research has focused on understanding effects of fertility control agents on individual animals. Questions about the efficacy of fertility control as a way to control populations remain largely unanswered.Collateral consequences of contraception can produce unexpected changes in birth rates, survival, immigration and emigration that may reduce the effectiveness of regulating animal abundance. The magnitude and frequency of such effects vary with species-specific social and reproductive systems, as well as connectivity of populations. Developing models that incorporate static demographic parameters from populations not controlled by contraception may bias predictions of fertility control efficacy.Many population-level studies demonstrate that changes in survival and immigration induced by fertility control can compensate for the reduction in births caused by contraception. The most successful cases of regulating populations using fertility control come from applications of contraceptives to small, closed populations of gregarious and easily accessed species.Fertility control can result in artificial selection pressures on the population and may lead to long-term unintentional genetic consequences. The magnitude of such selection is dependent on individual heritability and behavioural traits, as well as environmental variation.Synthesis and applications. Understanding species' life-history strategies, biology, behavioural ecology and ecological context is critical to developing realistic expectations of regulating populations using fertility control. Before time, effort and funding are invested in wildlife contraception, managers may need to consider the possibility that many species and populations can compensate for reduction in fecundity, and this could minimize any reduction in population growth rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason I Ransom
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Jenny G Powers
- National Park Service, Biological Resource Management Division 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA
| | - N Thompson Hobbs
- Colorado State University, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1499, USA
| | - Dan L Baker
- Colorado State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1680, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Shrestha A, Wadhwa N, Gupta SK. Evaluation of recombinant fusion protein comprising dog zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 and Izumo and individual fragments as immunogens for contraception. Vaccine 2014; 32:564-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.11.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
27
|
|
28
|
LACK OF SPATIAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES TO IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION APPLICATION IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS (LOXODONTA AFRICANA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2013; 44:S52-74. [DOI: 10.1638/1042-7260-44.4s.s52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; Aruna Asaf Ali Marg; New Delhi, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hasegawa A, Tanaka H, Shibahara H. Infertility and Immunocontraception based on zona pellucida. Reprod Med Biol 2013; 13:1-9. [PMID: 29699147 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-013-0159-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix surrounding ovarian oocytes, ovulated eggs and preimplantation embryos. It plays several important roles at different stages of reproduction. Its constituent glycoproteins are expressed specifically in the ovary. It is thus possible to produce autoantibodies to ZP proteins that interfere with reproductive functions including folliculogenesis, fertilization and implantation. First, this article describes the history of anti-ZP antibodies detected in women with idiopathic infertility. Second, the current relationship between anti-ZP antibodies and infertility is discussed in relation to assisted reproductive medicine. Third, we introduce the latest studies of animal experiments involving the ZP. Finally, immunocontraceptive vaccine development using various ZP antigens is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Hasegawa
- Institute of Experimental Animal Sciences Hyogo College of Medicine 1-1 Mukogawa-cho 663-8501 Nishinomiya Hyogo Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine 1-1 Mukogawa-cho 663-8501 Nishinomiya Hyogo Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine 1-1 Mukogawa-cho 663-8501 Nishinomiya Hyogo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine 1-1 Mukogawa-cho 663-8501 Nishinomiya Hyogo Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gupta N, Chakrabarti K, Prakash K, Wadhwa N, Gupta T, Gupta SK. Immunogenicity and Contraceptive Efficacy ofEscherichia coli-Expressed Recombinant Porcine Zona Pellucida Proteins. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 70:139-52. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi; India
| | - Kausiki Chakrabarti
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi; India
| | - Krishna Prakash
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi; India
| | - Neerja Wadhwa
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi; India
| | - Tripti Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi; India
| | - Satish K. Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi; India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
HILDEBRANDT TB, LUEDERS I, HERMES R, GOERITZ F, SARAGUSTY J. Anatomical, Physiological, Behavioral and Pathological Aspects of the Estrous Cycle in Elephants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.5686/jjzwm.17.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B HILDEBRANDT
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
| | - Imke LUEDERS
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
| | - Robert HERMES
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
| | - Frank GOERITZ
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
| | - Joseph SARAGUSTY
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Druce HC, Mackey RL, Pretorius K, Slotow R. The intermediate-term effects of PZP immunocontraception: behavioural monitoring of the treated elephant females and associated family groups. Anim Conserv 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2012.00583.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. C. Druce
- Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; South Africa
| | - R. L. Mackey
- School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; South Africa
| | - K. Pretorius
- Phinda Private Game Reserve; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa
| | - R. Slotow
- Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Benavides Valades G, Ganswindt A, Annandale H, Schulman ML, Bertschinger HJ. Non-invasive assessment of the reproductive cycle in free-ranging female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine for inducing anoestrus. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:63. [PMID: 22921012 PMCID: PMC3485135 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In southern Africa, various options to manage elephant populations are being considered. Immunocontraception is considered to be the most ethically acceptable and logistically feasible method for control of smaller and confined populations. In this regard, the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine has not been investigated in female elephants, although it has been reported to be safe and effective in several domestic and wildlife species. The aims of this study were to monitor the oestrous cycles of free-ranging African elephant cows using faecal progestagen metabolites and to evaluate the efficacy of a GnRH vaccine to induce anoestrus in treated cows. METHODS Between May 2009-June 2010, luteal activity of 12 elephant cows was monitored non-invasively using an enzyme immunoassay detecting faecal 5alpha-reduced pregnanes (faecal progestagen metabolites, FPM) on a private game reserve in South Africa. No bulls of breeding age were present on the reserve prior to and for the duration of the study. After a 3-month control period, 8 randomly-selected females were treated twice with 600 micrograms of GnRH vaccine (Improvac®, Pfizer Animal Health, Sandton, South Africa) 5-7 weeks apart. Four of these females had been treated previously with the porcine zona pellucida (pZP) vaccine for four years (2004-2007). RESULTS All 12 monitored females (8 treated and 4 controls) showed signs of luteal activity as evidenced by FPM concentrations exceeding individual baseline values more than once. A total of 16 oestrous cycles could be identified in 8 cows with four of these within the 13 to 17 weeks range previously reported for captive African elephants. According to the FPM concentrations the GnRH vaccine was unable to induce anoestrus in the treated cows. Overall FPM levels in samples collected during the wet season (mean 4.03 micrograms/gram dry faeces) were significantly higher (P<0.002) than the dry season (mean 2.59 micrograms/gram dry faeces). CONCLUSIONS The GnRH vaccination protocol failed to induce anoestrus in the treated female elephants. These results indicate that irregular oestrous cycles occur amongst free-ranging elephants and are not restricted to elephants in captivity. The relationship between ecological conditions and endocrine activity were confirmed. Free-ranging female elephants were observed to not cycle continuously throughout the year in the absence of adult bulls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Benavides Valades
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, RSA
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, RSA
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, RSA
| | - Henry Annandale
- Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, RSA
| | - Martin L Schulman
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, RSA
| | - Henk J Bertschinger
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, RSA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ahlers M, Ganswindt A, Münscher S, Bertschinger H. Fecal 20-oxo-pregnane concentrations in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana) treated with porcine zona pellucida vaccine. Theriogenology 2012; 78:77-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
36
|
Druce HC, Mackey RL, Slotow R. How immunocontraception can contribute to elephant management in small, enclosed reserves: Munyawana population as a case study. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27952. [PMID: 22174758 PMCID: PMC3235100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocontraception has been widely used as a management tool to reduce population growth in captive as well as wild populations of various fauna. We model the use of an individual-based rotational immunocontraception plan on a wild elephant, Loxodonta africana, population and quantify the social and reproductive advantages of this method of implementation using adaptive management. The use of immunocontraception on an individual, rotational basis stretches the inter-calving interval for each individual female elephant to a management-determined interval, preventing exposing females to unlimited long-term immunocontraception use (which may have as yet undocumented negative effects). Such rotational immunocontraception can effectively lower population growth rates, age the population, and alter the age structure. Furthermore, such structured intervention can simulate natural process such as predation or episodic catastrophic events (e.g., drought), which regulates calf recruitment within an abnormally structured population. A rotational immunocontraception plan is a feasible and useful elephant population management tool, especially in a small, enclosed conservation area. Such approaches should be considered for other long-lived, social species in enclosed areas where the long-term consequences of consistent contraception may be unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heleen C. Druce
- Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Robin L. Mackey
- Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rob Slotow
- Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kirkpatrick JF, Lyda RO, Frank KM. Contraceptive Vaccines for Wildlife: A Review. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:40-50. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01003.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
39
|
|
40
|
Gupta SK, Gupta N, Suman P, Choudhury S, Prakash K, Gupta T, Sriraman R, Nagendrakumar S, Srinivasan V. Zona pellucida-based contraceptive vaccines for human and animal utility. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 88:240-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Revised: 12/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
41
|
Immunoglobulin to zona pellucida 3 mediates ovarian damage and infertility after contraceptive vaccination in mice. J Autoimmun 2010; 35:77-85. [PMID: 20382503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies reactive with the ovarian glycoprotein zona pellucida (ZP) have been linked with human female infertility. Anti-fertility vaccines that target ZP antigens have been utilized to restrict pest animal populations and their efficacy is associated with ovary-specific antibody induction. However, the necessity for zona pellucida-specific antibody in mediating infertility has not been examined in vivo. A recombinant mouse cytomegalovirus vaccine encoding murine zona pellucida 3 that induces rapid and complete infertility in BALB/c mice has been produced. The onset of infertility is temporally related to the presence of antibody sequestered into ovarian follicles and binding to the ZP of infected mice and the loss of mature follicles. When this vaccine was inoculated into immunoglobulin-deficient BALB/c mice with a null mutation in the immunoglobulin mu chain gene Igh-6, fertility was unaffected. Passive transfer of serum containing ZP3 antibodies also elicited transient infertility. Electron microscopy of ovarian tissue collected from ZP3-immunized immunocompetent mice demonstrated significant focal thinning of the zona pellucida (ZP) with reduced length and concentration of transzonal processes and many oocytes displayed evidence of injury. None of these changes were found in vaccinated immunoglobulin-deficient mice. These data confirm that ZP3-reactive antibody is necessary and sufficient to induce autoimmune-mediated follicular depletion and fertility suppression following the inoculation of this vaccine, and suggest that this is due to impaired zona pellucida formation. These findings have relevance in understanding the etiology of autoimmune ovarian disease in woman where anti-ZP antibodies are likely to have a causal role in infertility.
Collapse
|
42
|
Freeman EW, Abbondanza FN, Meyer JM, Schulte BA, Brown JL. A simplified method for monitoring progestagens in African elephants under field conditions. Methods Ecol Evol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2009.00004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
43
|
Gray ME, Thain DS, Cameron EZ, Miller LA. Multi-year fertility reduction in free-roaming feral horses with single-injection immunocontraceptive formulations. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/wr09175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context. Contraception is increasingly used as a management technique to reduce fertility in wildlife populations; however, the feasibility of contraceptive formulations has been limited until recently because they have required multiple treatments to achieve prolonged infertility. Aims. We tested the efficacy and evaluated potential side effects of two contraceptive formulations, a porcine zona pellucida (PZP) formulation, SpayVac® and a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) formulation GonaCon-B™, in a population of free-roaming feral horses (Equus caballus). Both formulations were developed to provide several years of infertility with one injection. Methods. Females were treated in June 2005 with either GonaCon-B (n = 24), SpayVac (n = 20), adjuvant only (n = 22), or received no injection (n = 18). Females were monitored for fertility status year round for 3 years after treatment. Key results. Both contraceptive treatments significantly reduced fertility for 3 years. Fertility rates for GonaCon-B mares were 39%, 42% and 31%, respectively, and 37%, 50% and 44% for SpayVac mares. During the same seasons, 61%, 67% and 76% of control females were fertile. We found no significant effects from contraceptive treatment on the sex ratio of foals, birthing season or foal survival. Conclusions. These results demonstrated that both vaccines are capable of significantly reducing fertility for several years without boosters. Implications. Contraceptive vaccines examined in the present study represent a useful tool for the management of feral horses, because of their being efficacious for 3 years in the absence of booster immunisations.
Collapse
|
44
|
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.
Collapse
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
|
46
|
The practical side of immunocontraception: zona proteins and wildlife. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:151-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2008] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
47
|
Mackey RL, Page BR, Grobler D, Slotow R. Modelling the effectiveness of contraception for controlling introduced populations of elephant in South Africa. Afr J Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2009.01075.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
48
|
Nikolovski S, Lloyd ML, Harvey N, Hardy CM, Shellam GR, Redwood AJ. Overcoming innate host resistance to vaccination: employing a genetically distinct strain of murine cytomegalovirus avoids vector-mediated resistance to virally vectored immunocontraception. Vaccine 2009; 27:5226-32. [PMID: 19591797 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The laboratory strain of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), K181, has been successfully engineered as a vaccine expressing murine zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) for viral vectored immunocontraception (VVIC) in mice. However, certain laboratory strains of mice are resistant to infection with K181 and therefore demonstrate resistance to VVIC. Cmv1 is the best characterised innate resistance mechanism to MCMV and was first described in C57BL/6 mice. Resistance in C57BL/6 mice is due to early and strong activation of natural killer (NK) cells by an MCMV gene product, m157, that binds directly to the NK cell activating receptor Ly49H. In this study a wild strain of MCMV, G4, which expresses a variant m157 incapable of activating Ly49H, was engineered to express murine zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) and assessed for its ability to sterilise female C57BL/6 mice. When infected with K181-mZP3 female C57BL/6 mice remained fully fertile. In contrast, female C57BL/6 mice were sterilised by a single intraperitoneal inoculation of G4-mZP3. Infertility was induced by G4-mZP3 in three strains of mice that express Ly49H, on two different histocompatibility-2 (H-2) backgrounds. Finally, enhanced immunocontraception was observed in mice expressing H-2(k) mediated resistance to MCMV when infected with G4-mZP3 compared to K181-mZP3. These data indicate that when using viral vaccine vectors, variant vector strains may be used to circumvent powerful innate immune responses against the vector and promote effective vaccination. This study highlights the importance of vaccine vector genetics in vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nikolovski
- Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, M502, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Eade JA, Roberston ID, James CM. Contraceptive potential of porcine and feline zona pellucida A, B and C subunits in domestic cats. Reproduction 2009; 137:913-22. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Feral cat populations are a major problem in many urban regions throughout the world, threatening biodiversity. Immunocontraception is considered as an alternative and a more humane means to control overpopulation of pest animals than current methods including trapping, poisoning and shooting. In this study, we evaluate porcine zona pellucida (ZP) polypeptide (55 kDa) and feline ZP A, B and C subunits expressed by plasmid vectors as candidate vaccines against fertility in the female domestic cat. Cats were injected subcutaneously with three doses of the ZP vaccines. Vaccinated cats were compared with naïve cats for ZP-antibody response, ovarian histology and fertility after mating. Vaccination with native porcine ZP 55 kDa polypeptide induced anti-porcine ZP antibodies detected by ELISA. However, these antibodies did not cross-react with feline ZP as assessed by immunohistochemistry and no effect on fertilityin vivowas observed after mating. However, vaccination of cats with feline ZPA or feline ZPB+C DNA vectors elicited circulating antibodies specific for feline ZP as assessed by ELISA, with reactivity to native feline ZP in ovarian folliclesin situ. Vaccination with feline ZPA and ZPB+C DNA did not elicit changes in ovarian histology. Although sample sizes were small, conception rates in mated females were 25 and 20% in the ZPA and ZPB+C vaccinated groups respectively, compared with 83% in the control group. We conclude that feline ZPA and ZPB+C subunits are potential candidate antigens for immunocontraceptive vaccines in the domestic cat.
Collapse
|
50
|
Fayrer-Hosken R. Controlling Animal Populations Using Anti-Fertility Vaccines. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 2:179-85. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01159.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|