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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.
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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.
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Leathersich S, Hart RJ. Immune infertility in men. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1121-1131. [PMID: 35367058 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Male factors are implicated as the cause of roughly half of cases of infertility, and the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) may be responsible for some of these. Their presence is associated with a reduction in natural conception and live birth and impacts the success of assisted reproductive technologies. Interpretation of the data regarding ASAs and fertility is complicated by a lack of standardization in testing methodology and test thresholds and a lack of data on their prevalence in the healthy fertile population. Although their pathogenesis remains elusive, and many cases are idiopathic, a disruption in the immunologic blood-testis barrier (BTB) appears to contribute to the formation of ASA. As delineation of the specific antigen targets of ASA advances, it has been recognized that they may affect almost all aspects of sperm function, and ASA against different targets likely have specific mechanisms of impairing fertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) appears to be the most reliable method by which to overcome fertility impairment due to ASA, achieving similar outcomes to ASA-negative patients with regard to fertilization rates, embryonic development, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates. The lack of consistency in testing for and reporting ASA remains a substantial barrier to achieving clarity in describing their role in infertility and the optimal management approach, and future research should use a unified approach to the detection and description of ASA. Determination of the specific antigens targeted by ASA, and their function and clinical relevance, would contribute to improving the understanding of ASA-mediated impacts on fertility and tailoring treatment appropriately to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Leathersich
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Claremont, Australia
| | - Roger J Hart
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Claremont, Australia; Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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Chen X, Liu X, Ren X, Li X, Wang L, Zang W. Discovery of human posterior head 20 (hPH20) and homo sapiens sperm acrosome associated 1 (hSPACA1) immunocontraceptive epitopes and their effects on fertility in male and female mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:416-27. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The key goals of immunocontraception research are to obtain full contraceptive effects using vaccines administered to both males and females. Current research concerning human anti-sperm contraceptive vaccines is focused on delineating infertility-related epitopes to avoid autoimmune disease. We constructed phage-display peptide libraries to select epitope peptides derived from human posterior head 20 (hPH20) and homo sapiens sperm acrosome associated 1 (hSPACA1) using sera collected from infertile women harbouring anti-sperm antibodies. Following five rounds of selection, positive colonies were reconfirmed for reactivity with the immunoinfertile sera. We biopanned and analysed the chemical properties of four epitope peptides, named P82, Sa6, Sa37 and Sa76. Synthetic peptides were made and coupled to either bovine serum albumin (BSA) or ovalbumin. We used the BSA-conjugated peptides to immunise BALB/c mice and examined the effects on fertility in female and male mice. The synthetic peptides generated a sperm-specific antibody response in female and male mice that caused a contraceptive state. The immunocontraceptive effect was reversible and, with the disappearance of peptide-specific antibodies, there was complete restoration of fertility. Vaccinations using P82, Sa6 and Sa76 peptides resulted in no apparent side effects. Thus, it is efficient and practical to identify epitope peptide candidates by phage display. These peptides may find clinical application in the specific diagnosis and treatment of male and female infertility and contraceptive vaccine development.
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Dacheux JL, Dacheux F. New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation. Reproduction 2014; 147:R27-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Testicular spermatozoa acquire fertility only after 1 or 2 weeks of transit through the epididymis. At the end of this several meters long epididymal tubule, the male gamete is able to move, capacitate, migrate through the female tract, bind to the egg membrane and fuse to the oocyte to result in a viable embryo. All these sperm properties are acquired after sequential modifications occurring either at the level of the spermatozoon or in the epididymal surroundings. Over the last few decades, significant increases in the understanding of the composition of the male gamete and its surroundings have resulted from the use of new techniques such as genome sequencing, proteomics combined with high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, and gene-knockout approaches. This review reports and discusses the most relevant new results obtained in different species regarding the various cellular processes occurring at the sperm level, in particular, those related to the development of motility and egg binding during epididymal transit.
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Massei G, Cowan D. Fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts: a review. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/wr13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As human populations grow, conflicts with wildlife increase. Concurrently, concerns about the welfare, safety and environmental impacts of conventional lethal methods of wildlife management restrict the options available for conflict mitigation. In parallel, there is increasing interest in using fertility control to manage wildlife. The present review aimed at analysing trends in research on fertility control for wildlife, illustrating developments in fertility-control technologies and delivery methods of fertility-control agents, summarising the conclusions of empirical and theoretical studies of fertility control applied at the population level and offering criteria to guide decisions regarding the suitability of fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. The review highlighted a growing interest in fertility control for wildlife, underpinned by increasing numbers of scientific studies. Most current practical applications of fertility control for wild mammals use injectable single-dose immunocontraceptive vaccines mainly aimed at sterilising females, although many of these vaccines are not yet commercially available. One oral avian contraceptive, nicarbazin, is commercially available in some countries. Potential new methods of remote contraceptive delivery include bacterial ghosts, virus-like particles and genetically modified transmissible and non-transmissible organisms, although none of these have yet progressed to field testing. In parallel, new species-specific delivery systems have been developed. The results of population-level studies of fertility control indicated that this approach may increase survival and affect social and spatial behaviour of treated animals, although the effects are species- and context-specific. The present studies suggested that a substantial initial effort is generally required to reduce population growth if fertility control is the sole wildlife management method. However, several empirical and field studies have demonstrated that fertility control, particularly of isolated populations, can be successfully used to limit population growth and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. In parallel, there is growing recognition of the possible synergy between fertility control and disease vaccination to optimise the maintenance of herd immunity in the management of wildlife diseases. The review provides a decision tree that can be used to determine whether fertility control should be employed to resolve specific human–wildlife conflicts. These criteria encompass public consultation, considerations about animal welfare and feasibility, evaluation of population responses, costs and sustainability.
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Samoylova TI, Cochran AM, Samoylov AM, Schemera B, Breiteneicher AH, Ditchkoff SS, Petrenko VA, Cox NR. Phage display allows identification of zona pellucida-binding peptides with species-specific properties: Novel approach for development of contraceptive vaccines for wildlife. J Biotechnol 2012; 162:311-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Abstract
Immunoinfertility is one of several causes of infertility in humans. Although progress on antisperm immunity and infertility has advanced during the past three decades, the nature of a real antisperm antibody (ASA) is still poorly understood. Dozens of sperm antigens have been isolated and characterized in association with infertility. However, it is difficult to identify a single predominant target antigen that could interact with all the ASAs. There are some protective mechanisms preventing ASA production in males and females. As chronic infection, vasectomy and vasovasostomy, heavy metals, and testicular cancer and torsion may induce the production of ASAs, they may be responsible for decreased motility and sperm penetration of cervical mucus, and the blockage of the acrosome reaction and the sperm-egg interaction. Many ASA assay methods have been developed, each with advantages and disadvantages. Efforts for the treatment of ASA-mediated infertility have been attempted. However, current therapy for ASA-associated infertility is almost empiric and largely unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chun Lu
- Department of Laboratory Science, Nanjing Hospital, Jiangsu Corps, The Armed Police Force, PLA, 256 Heyan Road, Nanjing 210028, China.
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Fierabracci A. Unravelling autoimmune pathogenesis by screening random peptide libraries with human sera. Immunol Lett 2009; 124:35-43. [PMID: 19375456 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of autoimmunity is increasing worldwide. The long preclinical period of autoimmune disorders is characterised by an enhanced exposure over time of autoreactive T cells to an increased number of autoantigenic determinants and autoantibodies production. The discovery of novel autoimmune-disease related epitopes is a task that remains extremely challenging in order to establish predictive and preventive strategies of the disease onset. In this Opinion article we highlight the contribution of screening combinatorial random peptide libraries with patients sera in unravelling the etiopathogenesis of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fierabracci
- Autoimmunity and Organ Regeneration Laboratory, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu', Research Institute, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
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Wang Y, Zhang N, Zhang X, Miao S, Zong S, Koide SS, Wang L. Experimental immunological infertility effect of anti-GAPDH-2 antibodies on the fertility of female mice. Fertil Steril 2008; 92:2020-7. [PMID: 18980760 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Revised: 08/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between an antibody against GAPDH-2, a sperm-specific protein, and infertility of female mice. DESIGN Basic research. SETTING National Research Institute for Family Planning Beijing, World Health Organization Collaboration Center of Human Reproduction. ANIMAL(S) New Zealand rabbit, NIH and ICR mice. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, Western blot and indirect immunostaining assays, standard fertility assay, and sperm agglutination assay. RESULT(S) Antibodies against the full-length GAPDH-2 were raised. Its specificity was assessed by immunoblotting and indirect immunostaining assays. The antibody immunoreacted with human sperm GAPDH-2 and the mouse homolog GAPDS but did not cross-react with GAPDH. Treatment of female mice with IP injection of anti-GAPDH-2 serum significantly reduced their fertility. Anti-GAPDH-2 serum caused the agglutination of normal mice sperm in vitro. The anti-GAPDH-2 antibody was detectable in the sera and uterine fluid of the mice immunized with GAPDH-2. CONCLUSION(S) These results show that GAPDH-2 should be further evaluated as a promising candidate in the development of an antifertility immunogen. Detecting anti-GAPDH-2 antibodies in the bodily fluid of subjects afflicted with indeterminate infertility may be a new diagnostic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
PROBLEM This study is a review of antisperm contraceptive vaccine (CV) development with the main focus on research going on in our laboratory. METHOD OF STUDY Various methods of proteomics and genomics, hybridoma technology, substractive libraries, differential display method, and phage display technology were used to obtain sperm-specific genes and proteins. The present study will primarily focus on the sequences obtained by using the phage display technology and their role in CV development and human immunoinfertility. RESULT Four novel peptides, delineated by using the phage display technology, were found to be involved in human immunoinfertility. The vaccine based on one of these peptides, designated as YLP(12), caused a reversible contraception in female mice. CONCLUSIONS The vaccine targeting sperm is a feasible and exciting approach to contraception. The phage display technology is a powerful tool to delineate sperm-specific peptide sequences that can be used for the CV development and in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility mediated through antisperm antibodies.
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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, 26505, USA.
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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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