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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Basic Medical Sciences Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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2
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Soleymani B, Mansouri K, Rastegari-Pouyani M, Parvaneh S, Khademi F, Sharifi Tabar M, Mostafaie A. Production of monoclonal antibody against recombinant bovine sex-determining region Y (SRY) and their preferential binding to Y chromosome-bearing sperm. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:270-277. [PMID: 32920908 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Separation of X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm is an appropriate method for the selection of desired sex of offspring to increase the profit in livestock industries. The purpose of this study was the production of a monoclonal antibody against recombinant bovine sex-determining region Y protein for separation Y sperm. The hybridoma cells from splenocytes of immunized female's balb/C mice and Sp2/0 cells were made. The binding affinity of our monoclonal antibody (mAbSRY2) was compared with mouse monoclonal SRY-15. The Western blot method indicated that mAbSRY2 successfully detected the rbSRY protein. The specificity and sensitivity of mAbSRY2 is comparable to SRY-15 commercially ones. The SRY gene in 100% of bull semen contains the Y chromosome that had the strongest binding affinity to mAbSRY2 was synthesized. In other words, the binding affinity of semen contains the X sperms near the negative control. In general, this immunological method can help to separate X from Y sperms. However, the mAbSRY2 is bind to Y-bearing sexed sperm, but in the future; the sexed sperms need to apply in farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Soleymani
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rastegari-Pouyani
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Parvaneh
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khademi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharifi Tabar
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Mostafaie
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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3
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Li K, Tang H, Xu W, Chen A, Shi Q, Sun Z, Wang L, Ni Y. Antisera preparation and epitope mapping of a recombinant protein comprising three peptide fragments of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Protein Expr Purif 2015; 114:23-9. [PMID: 26087025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies targeting a single epitope of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have been reported to influence the validity of immunological analyses; however, autoimmune mechanisms associated with CFTR epitopes are not well understood. In this study, antiserum raised against a multi-epitope recombinant protein composed of three peptide fragments of CFTR (r-CFTR-3P) was prepared and B cell epitope mapping of the protein was carried out using biosynthetic peptides. The r-CFTR-3P gene was cloned into the pSY621 expression plasmid and the protein was expressed in the BL21 strain of Escherichia coli. The rabbit r-CFTR-3P antiserum recognized the native CFTR antigen extracted from human sperm and the GST188 fusion peptides CFTR(25-36), CFTR(103-117), and CFTR(1387-1480) spanning different regions of CFTR. Four novel r-CFTR-3P B cell epitopes were identified: (29)RQRLEL(34), (104)RIIASY(109), (111)PDN(113), and (1447)VKLF(1450) of CFTR. Other proteins from various species shared sequence homology with the identified epitopes based on NCBI BLAST alignment. This study provides new tools for detecting CFTR protein and insight into the characteristics of minimal B cell epitopes of CFTR and associated immunological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Unit of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Haiping Tang
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs & Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wanxiang Xu
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs & Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Aijun Chen
- Unit of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Qixian Shi
- Unit of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Zhida Sun
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs & Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs & Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Unit of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China.
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4
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Tentative identification of sex-specific antibodies and their application for screening bovine sperm proteins for sex-specificity. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 41:217-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2854-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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5
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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.
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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
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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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Sang L, Yang W, Han L, Liang A, Hua G, Xiong J, Huo L, Yang L. An immunological method to screen sex-specific proteins of bovine sperm. J Dairy Sci 2011; 94:2060-70. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2010-3350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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8
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He YP, Xu WX, Hong AZ, Liao MC, Ji CN, Gu SH, Chen JZ, Xie Y. Immunogenic comparison for two different recombinant chimeric peptides (CP12 and CP22) containing one or two copies of three linear B cell epitopes from β-hCG subunit. J Biotechnol 2010; 151:15-21. [PMID: 21084058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To develop a superior chimeric peptide (CP) vaccine of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), two CP antigens (named CP12 and CP22) encoding one or two copies of three linear B cell epitopes from the β-hCG subunit and six foreign T cell epitopes, including two promiscuous TCEs from hepatitis B surface antigen and tetanus toxoid, were constructed and biosynthesized. The hCG CP12 and CP22 of 21 or 23 kDa, respectively, were expressed in Escherichia coli at the level of ~1% of total cell proteins when inserted into thermo-inducible pBV221 expression vector. The purified CP12 and CP22 proteins with >95% relative homogeneity are immunogenic, and elicited antibodies against the β5, β9 and β8 BCEs of β-hCG in both rabbits and three different inbred strains of mice. A mouse uterine weight study in Balb/c mice demonstrated that the CP12 and CP22 antigens with an additional β5 neutralizing epitope enhanced the in vivo bio-neutralization capacity of the induced antibodies compared to the C-terminal immunogen of β-hCG. We propose that the biosynthesized CP22, possessing with two copies of three BCEs, represents a novel candidate antigen for an hCG contraceptive or tumor therapeutic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-ping He
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 2140 Xie Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
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9
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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 WX, He YP, Tang HP, Jia XF, Ji CN, Gu SH, Sun XX, Xie Y. Minimal motif mapping of a known epitope on human zona pellucida protein-4 using a peptide biosynthesis strategy. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 81:9-16. [PMID: 19539378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
An important step in the development of a human zona pellucida (huZP) peptide vaccine is to define the minimal amino acid motif for a mapped B cell epitope peptide within huZP4. Identification of this minimal motif is necessary to remove an overlapping T cell epitope that induces a pathogenic T cell response. Here we describe motif (PLTLEL(314-319)) mapping of an 18mer B cell epitope peptide(308-325) on huZP4 protein (previously known as huZP1/ZPB protein), achieved using a set of 22 biosynthetic 8mer peptides fused with truncated glutathione S-transferase (GST) or truncated streptavidin protein, and detected using rabbit anti-porcine zona pellucida (pZP) IgG. The immunogenicity of the B cell epitope peptide was evaluated in rabbits using expressed B cell epitope peptide fused with truncated streptavidin as the antigen. This construct elicited high titer antibody to the 18mer B cell epitope peptide, with reactivity to native human ZP, the biosynthetic 18mer peptide and the 18mer peptide GST fusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Xiang Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China.
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11
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Soares SG, Barbosa JE. Application of recombinant antibody library for screening specific antigens in a bovine sperm cell subpopulation. Livest Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2007.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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12
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Naz RK, Gupta SK, Gupta JC, Vyas HK, Talwar AGP. Recent advances in contraceptive vaccine development: a mini-review. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:3271-83. [PMID: 16113040 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines (CV) may provide viable and valuable alternatives to the presently available methods of contraception. The molecules that are being explored for CV development either target gamete production [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)/GnRH, FSH], gamete function [sperm antigens and oocyte zona pellucida (ZP)], and gamete outcome (HCG). CV targeting gamete production have shown varied degrees of efficacy; however, they either affect sex steroids causing impotency and/or show only a partial rather than a complete effect in inhibiting gametogenesis. However, vaccines based on LHRH/GnRH are being developed by several pharmaceutical companies as substitutes for castration of domestic pets, farm and wild animals, and for therapeutic anticancer purposes such as in prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma. These vaccines may also find applications in clinical situations that require the inhibition of increased secretions of sex steroids, such as in uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and precocious puberty. CV targeting molecules involved in gamete function such as sperm antigens and ZP proteins are exciting choices. Sperm constitute the most promising and exciting target for CV. Several sperm-specific antigens have been delineated in several laboratories and are being actively explored for CV development. Studies are focused on delineating appropriate sperm-specific epitopes, and increasing the immunogenicity (specifically in the local genital tract) and efficacy on the vaccines. Anti-sperm antibody (ASA)-mediated immunoinfertility provides a naturally occurring model to indicate how a vaccine might work in humans. Vaccines based on ZP proteins are quite efficacious in producing contraceptive effects, but may induce oophoritis, affecting sex steroids. They are being successfully tested to control feral populations of dogs, deer, horses and elephants, and populations of several species of zoo animals. The current research for human applicability is focused on delineating infertility-related epitopes (B-cell epitopes) from oophoritis-inducing epitopes (T-cell epitopes). Vaccines targeting gamete outcome primarily focus on the HCG molecule. The HCG vaccine is the first vaccine to undergo Phase I and II clinical trials in humans. Both efficacy and lack of immunopathology have been reasonably well demonstrated for this vaccine. At the present time, studies are focused on increasing the immunogenicity and efficacy of the birth control vaccine, and examining its clinical applications in various HCG-producing cancers. The present article will focus on the current status of the anti-sperm, anti-ZP, anti-LHRH/GnRH and anti-HCG vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University, School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
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Gupta SK, Srivastava N, Choudhury S, Rath A, Sivapurapu N, Gahlay GK, Batra D. Update on zona pellucida glycoproteins based contraceptive vaccine. J Reprod Immunol 2004; 62:79-89. [PMID: 15288184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2003.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins, due to their critical role in mammalian fertilization, have been proposed as candidate immunogens for development of a contraceptive vaccine. Active immunization studies in a variety of animal species, employing either native or recombinant zona proteins, has established their contraceptive potential. Hence, ZP glycoprotein-based contraceptive vaccines have a very good potential for controlling wild life population. To make it a realistic proposition, additional research inputs are required to develop new potent adjuvants and novel practical strategies for vaccine delivery. The observed ovarian dysfunction, often associated with immunization by ZP glycoproteins, is one of the major obstacles for their application in the control of human population. Ongoing studies to delineate epitopes of ZP glycoproteins that will generate an immune response capable of inhibiting fertility without any untoward effects on ovarian functions will help in determining their feasibility for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Gupta
- Gamete Antigen Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 1100 67, India.
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Sivapurapu N, Hasegawa A, Gahlay GK, Koyama K, Gupta SK. Efficacy of antibodies against a chimeric synthetic peptide encompassing epitopes of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) zona pellucida-1 and zona pellucida-3 glycoproteins to inhibit in vitro human sperm-egg binding. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 70:247-54. [PMID: 15625695 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Immunocontraception achieved by immunization with zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins is invariably associated with ovarian dysfunction. Use of ZP glycoprotein-based synthetic peptides as immunogens has been proposed to overcome adverse side effects on ovaries. In the present study, a chimeric peptide encompassing the epitopes of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) ZP glycoprotein-1 (bmZP1; amino acid residues 251-273) and ZP glycoprotein-3 (bmZP3; amino acid residues 324-347), separated by a tri-glycine spacer, was synthesized and conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (DT). Immunization of female BALB/cJ mice and bonnet monkeys with the chimeric peptide led to generation of antibodies that reacted with the chimeric peptide, individual bmZP1 & bmZP3 peptides, and also recombinant bmZP1 and bmZP3 proteins expressed by E. coli in an ELISA. Indirect immunofluorescence studies revealed that the immune serum also recognized human as well as bonnet monkey ZP. A significant inhibition of human sperm binding to ZP was observed with antibodies generated against the chimeric peptide in mice (P = 0.0001) as well as monkeys (P = 0.0002) in a hemizona assay (HZA). The inhibition efficacy was significantly higher than that observed by using antibodies against the individual bmZP1 and bmZP3 peptides. Interestingly, no ovarian pathology was observed in female bonnet monkeys immunized with the chimeric peptide. These studies have demonstrated that the chimeric peptide encompassing peptides of multiple ZP glycoproteins may be a promising candidate antigen for designing immunocontraceptive vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neela Sivapurapu
- Gamete Antigen Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067, India
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