1
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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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2
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Johnston DS. Pre-clinical and early clinical considerations for the development of non-hormonal contraceptives for men. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39078256 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13705] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This manuscript presents non-hormonal male contraceptive development in the context of mitigating risk to investigators and investors. OBJECTIVE The manuscript uses examples to illustrate drug development principles to move a project from discovery to development. The content is intended for those with reproductive biology backgrounds without significant exposure to drug development-particularly early-stage targeted drug development-and those with general interest in developing non-hormonal methods of contraception. CONCLUSION The goal of issues addressed in this manuscript is to facilitate the advancement of innovative male contraceptives into late-stage clinical trials, while keeping in mind early recognition of program deficiencies and development of mitigation strategies, or reassignment of limited, valuable resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Johnston
- Contraception Research Branch, Fertility and Infertility Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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3
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Ayehunie S, Landry T, Armento A. Vaginal irritation testing-prospects of human organotypic vaginal tissue culture models. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024; 60:569-582. [PMID: 38995526 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00907-1] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Personal lubricants intended for local or systemic delivery via the vaginal route can induce vaginal irritation, damage the vaginal epithelial barrier which can enhance microbial entry, induce inflammation, and alter the microbiome of the vaginal ecosystem. Therefore, manufacturers of personal lubricants and medical devices are required to show biocompatibility and safety assessment data to support regulatory decision-making within a specified context of use. Furthermore, due to ethical concerns and the introduction of the 7th amendment of the European Council Directive which bans animal testing for cosmetic ingredients and products coupled with the Food and Drug Administration modernization Act 2.0 guidelines, there is a wave of drive to develop alternative test methods to predict human responses to chemical or formulation exposure. In this framework, there is a potential to use three-dimensional organotypic human vaginal-ectocervical tissue models as a screening tool to predict the vaginal irritation potential of personal lubricants and medicaments. To be physiologically relevant, the in vitro tissue models need to be reconstructed using primary epithelial cells of the specific organ or tissue and produce organ-like structure and functionality that recapitulate the in vivo-like responses. Through the years, progress has been made and vaginal tissue models are manufactured under controlled conditions with a specified performance criterion, which leads to a high level of reproducibility and reliability. The utility of vaginal tissue models has been accelerated in the last 20 years with an expanded portfolio of applications ranging from toxicity, inflammation, infection to drug safety, and efficacy studies. This article provides an overview of the state of the art of diversified applications of reconstructed vaginal tissue models and highlights their utility as a tool to predict vaginal irritation potential of feminine care products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Ayehunie
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA, 01721, USA.
| | - Timothy Landry
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA, 01721, USA
| | - Alex Armento
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA, 01721, USA
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4
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Barton BE, Erickson JA, Allred SI, Jeffries JM, Stephens KK, Hunter MI, Woodall KA, Winuthayanon W. Reversible female contraceptives: historical, current, and future perspectives†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:14-32. [PMID: 37941453 PMCID: PMC10790348 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraception is a practice with extensive and complicated social and scientific histories. From cycle tracking, to the very first prescription contraceptive pill, to now having over-the-counter contraceptives on demand, family planning is an aspect of healthcare that has undergone and will continue to undergo several transformations through time. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current reversible hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods as well as their mechanism of action, safety, and effectiveness specifically for individuals who can become pregnant. Additionally, we discuss the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved hormonal method containing estetrol and drospirenone that has not yet been used worldwide as well as the first FDA-approved hormonal over-the-counter progestin-only pills. We also review available data on novel hormonal delivery through microchip, microneedle, and the latest FDA-approved non-hormonal methods such as vaginal pH regulators. Finally, this review will assist in advancing female contraceptive method development by underlining constructive directions for future pursuits. Information was gathered from the NCBI and Google Scholars databases using English and included publications from 1900 to present. Search terms included contraceptive names as well as efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action. In summary, we suggest that investigators consider the side effects and acceptability together with the efficacy of contraceptive candidate towards their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Barton
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffery A Erickson
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Translational Bioscience Program, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Stephanie I Allred
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jenna M Jeffries
- College of Art & Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Kalli K Stephens
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Translational Bioscience Program, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mark I Hunter
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kirby A Woodall
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Dohadwala S, Geib MT, Politch JA, Anderson DJ. Innovations in monoclonal antibody-based multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 5:1337479. [PMID: 38264184 PMCID: PMC10803587 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1337479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently being produced for a number of clinical applications including contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Combinations of contraceptive and anti-STI mAbs, including antibodies against HIV-1 and HSV-2, provide a powerful and flexible approach for highly potent and specific multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products with desirable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. MAbs can be administered systemically by injection, or mucosally via topical products (e.g., films, gels, rings) which can be tailored for vaginal, penile or rectal administration to address the needs of different populations. The MPT field has faced challenges with safety, efficacy, production and cost. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of mAb MPTs that tackle these challenges with innovative strategies in mAb engineering, manufacturing, and delivery that could usher in a new generation of safe, efficacious, cost-effective, and scalable mAb MPTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dohadwala
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Geib
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joseph A. Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Howard SA, Benhabbour SR. Non-Hormonal Contraception. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4791. [PMID: 37510905 PMCID: PMC10381146 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
While hormonal contraceptives are efficacious and available in several forms for women, perception of safety and concern over side effects are a deterrent for many. Existing non-hormonal contraceptives include permanent sterilization, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), chemical/physical barriers such as spermicides and condoms, as well as traditional family planning methods including withdrawal and the rhythm method. Individuals who wish to retain their fertility in the future can achieve highest adherence and efficacy with long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs), though there is only one, the copper IUD, that is non-hormonal. As rates of unintended pregnancies remain high with existing contraceptive options, it is becoming increasingly attractive to develop novel pregnancy prevention methods for both women and men. Non-hormonal contraceptives can target a variety of critical reproductive processes discussed here. This review focuses on identified non-hormonal contraceptive targets and subsequent drug candidates in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Anne Howard
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Soumya Rahima Benhabbour
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Dohadwala S, Politch JA, Barmine JH, Anderson DJ. A Brief History and Advancement of Contraceptive Multipurpose Prevention Technology (cMPT) Products. Open Access J Contracept 2023; 14:83-94. [PMID: 37332341 PMCID: PMC10276588 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s375634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and an unmet need for modern contraception resulting in a high unintended pregnancy rate, are major problems in reproductive health. The concept of multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) was introduced following the failure of several leading microbicide candidates to prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission in large clinical trials in the early 2000s. MPTs are defined as products designed to simultaneously prevent at least two of the following conditions: unintended pregnancy, HIV-1, or other major STIs. The goal of contraceptive MPT products (cMPTs) is to provide contraception and protection against one or more major STI pathogen (eg, HIV-1, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia). This new field has great potential and will benefit from lessons learned from the early microbicide trials. The cMPT field includes candidates representing various categories with different mechanisms of action including pH modifiers, polyions, microbicidal peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and other peptides that target specific reproductive and infectious processes. More preclinical research is being conducted to ensure minimal side effects and maximum efficacy in vivo. Effective proven and novel candidates are being combined to maximize efficacy, minimize side effects, and avoid drug resistance. More attention is being paid to acceptability and new delivery systems. cMPTs have a very promising future if adequate resources can be mobilized to sustain the effort from preclinical research to clinical trials to bring effective, acceptable, and affordable products to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dohadwala
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph A Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica H Barmine
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Thurman AR, Moench TR, Hoke M, Politch JA, Cabral H, Mausser E, Nador E, Morton J, Hamorsky K, Swope K, Bratcher B, Anderson DJ, Whaley KJ. ZB-06, a vaginal film containing an engineered human contraceptive antibody (HC4-N), demonstrates safety and efficacy in a phase 1 postcoital test and safety study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:716.e1-716.e12. [PMID: 36870409 PMCID: PMC10247457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With an unplanned pregnancy rate of 50% or more in many countries, there is an urgent need for contraceptives that are more accessible and acceptable. To meet the growing demand for new contraceptives, ZabBio developed ZB-06, a vaginal film containing HC4-N, a human contraceptive antibody that inactivates sperm. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the potential contraceptive activity of the ZB-06 film using a surrogate assessment for contraceptive efficacy, the postcoital test. We also assessed clinical safety of film use among healthy heterosexual couples. Serum, cervical mucus, and vaginal fluid HC4-N antibody concentrations and sperm agglutination potency were determined after single film use. Changes in the concentration of soluble proinflammatory cytokines and vaginal Nugent score after film use were measured as subclinical safety endpoints. STUDY DESIGN This was a phase 1, first-in-woman, open-label, proof-of-concept, postcoital test and safety study. RESULTS A total of 20 healthy women were enrolled in the study, and 8 heterosexual couples completed all study visits. The product was safe for both female participants and their male sexual partners. The postcoital test performed on ovulatory cervical mucus at baseline (no product use) revealed a mean of 25.9 (±30.6) progressively motile sperm per high-power field. After use of a single ZB-06 film before intercourse, this number dropped to 0.04 (±0.06) progressively motile sperm per high-power field (P<.0001). At the follow-up postcoital test visit approximately 1 month later (no product use), a mean of 47.4 (±37.4) progressively motile sperm per high-power field was observed, indicating contraceptive reversibility. CONCLUSION A single dose of the ZB-06 film applied before intercourse was safe and met efficacy surrogate benchmarks of excluding progressively motile sperm from ovulatory cervical mucus. These data indicate that ZB-06 is a viable contraceptive candidate warranting further development and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Thurman
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA.
| | | | | | - Joseph A Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Howard Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Emilie Mausser
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Ellena Nador
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin J Whaley
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Anderson DJ, Johnston DS. A brief history and future prospects of contraception. Science 2023; 380:154-158. [PMID: 37053322 PMCID: PMC10615352 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf9341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Modern contraception ushered in an era of improved family planning, but more than 60 years after approval of "the pill," product gaps and unmet needs still exist. Nearly 250 million women worldwide who want to delay or avoid pregnancy do so ineffectively or not at all, and the principal mechanism of male contraception, condoms, has not changed in 100 years. As a result, about half of the pregnancies that occur globally each year are unintended. Increasing contraceptive options and uptake will curtail abortions, empower women and men, promote healthy families, and moderate population growth that overtaxes the environment. This Review addresses the history of contraception, shortcomings in contraceptive methods, promising approaches for male and female contraception, and simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Daniel S. Johnston
- Contraception Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
- Fertility and Infertility Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
- Gynecologic Health and Disease Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
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10
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Menzies FM. Immunology of Pregnancy and Systemic Consequences. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:253-280. [PMID: 37695432 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological paradox, with renowned Nobel Prize winning transplantation biologist Sir Peter Brian Medawar being the first to introduce this concept back in 1953. This concept considers how the maternal immune system can tolerate the developing fetus, which is 50% antigenically foreign to the uterus. There have been significant advances in our understanding of the immune system in regulating fertility, pregnancy and in complications of these, and what was once considered a paradox can be seen as a highly evolved system. Indeed, the complexity of the maternal-fetal interface along with our ever-advancing knowledge of immune cells and mediators means that we have a better understanding of these interactions, with gaps still present. This chapter will summarise the key aspects of the role of the immune system at each stage of pregnancy and highlight the recent advances in our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Menzies
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire, UK.
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11
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Lu JC, Ge YM, Xu YH, Tang SS, Liang YJ. Screening of sperm antigen epitopes by phage display technique and its preliminary clinical application. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:22. [DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00172-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
At present, there is a lack of standardized preparation methods of sperm antigen for the detection of antisperm antibody (AsAb). To screen sperm antigen mimotopes from a phage display random peptide library and use them to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of AsAb, immunoglobulins were extracted from the sera of rabbits with positive AsAb and negative AsAb, respectively, by the saturated ammonium sulfate method, and a phage display 12-mer peptide library was affinity panned by the extracted immunoglobins coated on the ELISA plate. Then, the obtained positive phage clones were identified by ELISA and sent for sequencing and peptides synthesis. Last, a diagnostic ELISA was established to detect clinical serum and seminal plasma samples.
Results
A total of sixty phage clones were chosen by affinity panning, and sixteen of them reacted positively with AsAb in indirect ELISA and sandwich ELISA. Following DNA sequencing and translation, the peptide sequences of the sixteen positive clones were obtained. By comparison in Blast database, four of sixteen positive clones were found to be closely related to male reproduction. Two (#1 and #25) of four mimotopes were synthesized, and an ELISA method was established using the two mimotopes as sperm specific antigens. One hundred and thirty-four serum samples and seventy-four seminal plasma samples from infertile couples were analyzed by the established ELISA with #1 and #25 mimotopes, respectively. The positive rates of AsAb in serum samples were 20.15% (27/134) for #1 and 11.19% (15/134) for #25, respectively, and the coincidence rate between them was 91.04% (122/134). The positive rates of AsAb in seminal plasma samples were 1.35% (1/74) for both #1 and #25, and the coincidence rate was 100%.
Conclusion
Sperm antigen mimotopes can be obtained successfully by the phage display technique, and can be used as standard sperm specific antigens to establish an ELISA method for the detection of AsAb.
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Jøraholmen MW, Damdimopoulou P, Acharya G, Škalko-Basnet N. Toxicity Assessment of Resveratrol Liposomes-in-Hydrogel Delivery System by EpiVaginal TM Tissue Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061295. [PMID: 35745867 PMCID: PMC9231258 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural polyphenol resveratrol (RES) has shown great potential as an antimicrobial, including against microbes associated with vaginal infections. To fully exploit the activities of RES, an all-natural ingredients formulation for RES delivery at vaginal site has been developed, namely liposomes loaded with RES, incorporated into a chitosan hydrogel as secondary vehicle. Although considered non-toxic and safe on their own, the compatibility of the final formulation must be evaluated for its biocompatibility and non-irritancy to the vaginal mucosa. As a preclinical safety assessment, the impact of RES formulation on the tissue viability, the effect on barrier function and cell monolayer integrity, and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the cell-based vaginal tissue model, the EpiVaginal™ tissue. RES liposomes-in-hydrogel formulations neither affected the mitochondrial activity, nor the integrity of the cell monolayer in RES concentration up to 60 µg/mL. Moreover, the barrier function was maintained to a greater extent by RES in formulation, emphasizing the benefits of the delivery system. Additionally, none of the tested formulations expressed an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity compared to the non-treated tissues. The evaluation of the RES delivery system suggests that it is non-irritant and biocompatible with vaginal tissue in vitro in the RES concentrations considered as therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Wenche Jøraholmen
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsveien 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-776-23376
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
- Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of North Norway, Sykehusveien 38, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nataša Škalko-Basnet
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsveien 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
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