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Mukherjee AG, Gopalakrishnan AV. Anti-sperm Antibodies as an Increasing Threat to Male Fertility: Immunological Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01610-y. [PMID: 38831152 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01610-y] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
It is a fact that sperm possess antigenic properties. Substantial scientific research suggests that specific antibodies that attach to sperm antigens can induce infertility in both humans and other species. Antisperm antibodies (ASA) represent a significant etiology of infertility in humans, leading to immunoinfertility. The association between ASA and infertility is multifaceted. The observation of sperm agglutination, although not conclusive for the diagnosis of immunological infertility, may suggest the presence of ASA. Nevertheless, ASA may also manifest in the lack of any sperm agglutination. Managing ASA from an andrological perspective depends on the underlying cause and the specific approaches healthcare professionals adopt. The precise etiology of male infertility resulting from ASA remains unclear. Current research has examined the impact of ASA and its prevalence among infertile males to understand the relationship between ASA and changes in semen parameters. However, the findings have been inconclusive. Numerous techniques have been documented for the management of immunoinfertility. This review examines the importance of ASA in the context of infertility, encompassing the postulated mechanisms underlying the development of ASA, the various assays employed for detecting them, and the available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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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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Antisperm antibodies and fertility association. Actas Urol Esp 2013; 37:571-8. [PMID: 23428233 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuro.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relation between antisperm antibodies (ASA) and human fertility by reviewing the scientific literature of the last 45 years. METHODS We carried out a review of scientific literature about antisperm antibodies and infertility published in spanish or english in databases as Pubmed, Medline, Scielo, some books and another gray literature include information related to this review and that is published in the last 45 years. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE Infertile couples suffer infertility by immunological mechanisms mainly by the presence of antisperm antibodies ASA in blood, semen or cervicovaginal secretions; the formation of ASA in men and women may be associated with disturbance in immunomodulatory mechanisms that result in functional impairment of sperm and thus its inability to fertilize the oocyte. CONCLUSION Immunological infertility caused by ASA is the result of interference of these antibodies in various stages of fertilization process, inhibiting the ability of interaction between sperm and oocyte.
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Naz RK, Butler TS. Antibodies to prostate-specific antigen in immunoinfertile women and men. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 97:217-22. [PMID: 23415846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunoinfertility is caused by antisperm antibodies (ASA) present in the female or male partner of an infertile couple. PSA is a serine protease produced primarily by the prostate gland and is present in human semen. Although the modulation of PSA has been investigated in prostate abnormalities, its role and effect of its dysfunction on human fertility has not been examined. The present study was conducted to examine the presence and incidence of antibodies to PSA in sera of immunoinfertile women and men. The presence of iso- and autoantibodies in the sera of immunoinfertile patients was examined using the well-characterized purified human PSA and seminal plasma from normal fertile men in ELISA. Sera were collected from infertile women (n=25) and infertile men (n=19) who were positive for ASA. Sera from ASA-negative fertile women (n=24) and fertile men (n=19) served as controls. In women, sera from 40% of the immunoinfertile women showed positive reactivity with PSA, and 20% reacted positively with seminal plasma. None of the sera from fertile women reacted positively with PSA or seminal plasma. In men, sera from 16% of the immunoinfertile men showed positive reactivity with PSA, and none (0%) with seminal plasma. None of the sera from fertile men reacted positively with PSA or seminal plasma. This is the first study to examine the presence and incidence of PSA antibodies in immunoinfertile women and men. The findings may have clinical application in the specific diagnosis and treatment of immunoinfertility in humans.
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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, WV, USA.
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Clark S, Naz RK. Presence and Incidence of Izumo Antibodies in Sera of Immunoinfertile Women and Men. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 69:256-63. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Clark
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; West Virginia University, School of Medicine; Morgantown; WV; USA
| | - Rajesh K. Naz
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; West Virginia University, School of Medicine; Morgantown; WV; USA
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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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Dun MD, Mitchell LA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Sperm-zona pellucida interaction: molecular mechanisms and the potential for contraceptive intervention. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2010:139-178. [PMID: 20839091 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
At the moment of insemination, millions of mammalian sperm cells are released into the female reproductive tract with the single goal of finding the oocyte. The spermatozoa subsequently ignore the thousands of cells they make contact with during their journey to the site of fertilization, until they reach the surface of the oocyte. At this point, they bind tenaciously to the acellular coat, known as the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and orchestrate a cascade of cellular interactions that culminate in fertilization. These exquisitely cell- and species- specific recognition events are among the most strategically important cellular interactions in biology. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them has implications for the etiology of human infertility and the development of novel targets for fertility regulation. Herein we describe our current understanding of the molecular basis of successful sperm-zona pellucida binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Dun
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Serres C, Auer J, Petit F, Patrat C, Jouannet P. Les partenaires moléculaires impliqués dans l'interaction entre spermatozoïdes et zone pellucide chez les mammifères. Conséquences pour la fertilité humaine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 202:119-28. [DOI: 10.1051/jbio:2008015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Williams J, Samuel A, Naz RK. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Presence of Antisperm Antibodies Reactive with Peptide Epitopes of FA-1 and YLP12 in Sera of Immunoinfertile Women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2008; 59:518-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00581.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Bhande S, Naz RK. Molecular identities of human sperm proteins reactive with antibodies in sera of immunoinfertile women. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 74:332-40. [PMID: 16998854 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Antisperm antibodies (ASA) can cause infertility in both men and women. It is important to delineate the sperm antigens against which these ASA are directed. Sperm proteins were separated by 2D gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose membrane and incubated with sera from fertile women or immunoinfertile women having ASA. The corresponding immunoreactive peptide spots were cored from the gel and analyzed by the two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis/matrix-assisted laser desoprtion ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/LC-MS). A total of 68 spots belonging to 38 different proteins and their isomers were identified. Fourteen of these proteins and their isomers reacted with both the fertile and immunoinfertile sera. Twenty-four of these proteins reacted specifically only with the immunoinfertile sera and not with the fertile sera. Among them was a novel protein designated as a hypothetical protein FLJ32704 (accession # Q96MA6). An immunodominant sequence (amino acid 151-159) of this protein was identified and a nonamer peptide based upon this sequence (IQTLG1TPR) was synthesized and examined for its immunoreactivity. This synthetic peptide reacted with 90% (36/40) of immunoinfertile sera and not with any of the fertile sera (0/40) in the enzyme-linked immnosorbent assay (ELISA). In conclusion, using the 2D gel electrophoresis/MALDI-TOF-MS/LC-MS procedure, we have identified several known and at least one novel antigen against which the antibodies are present in sera of immunoinfertile but not fertile women. Some of these antigens may find applications in specific diagonsis and treatment of infertility/immunoinfertility, and in the development of new generation of contraceptive modalities including contraceptive vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Bhande
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratories, School of Medicine, The West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9186, 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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Abstract
The world's population is growing at a tremendous rate, affecting growth and development. Apart from this population growth, unintended pregnancies resulting in elective abortions continue to be a major public health issue. In over half of these unintended pregnancies, the women have used some type of contraception. Thus, there is an urgent need for a better method of contraception that is acceptable, effective and available. The contraceptive choices available to women at this time include steroid contraceptives, intrauterine devices, barrier methods, spermicides, natural family planning, male and female sterilisation, and recently available emergency contraceptives. Contraceptive vaccines (CVs) may provide viable and valuable alternatives that can fulfill most, if not all, properties of an ideal contraceptive. Since both the developed and most of the developing nations have an infrastructure for mass immunisation, the development of vaccines for contraception is an exciting proposition. The molecules that are being explored for CV development either target gamete production (gonadotropin releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone), gamete function (zona pellucida [ZP] proteins and sperm antigens) or gamete outcome (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]). Disadvantages of CVs targeting gamete production are that they affect sex steroids and/or show only a partial effect in reducing fertility. CVs targeting gamete function are better choices. Vaccines based on ZP proteins are quite efficacious in producing contraceptive effects. However, they invariably induce oophoritis affecting sex steroids. Sperm antigens constitute the most promising and exciting targets for CVs. Several sperm-specific antigens have been delineated in several laboratories and are being actively explored for CV development. Antisperm antibody-mediated immunoinfertility provides a naturally occurring model to indicate how an antisperm vaccine will work in humans. 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 the efficacy and the lack of immunotoxicity have been reasonably well demonstrated for this vaccine. The present studies focus on increasing the immunogenicity and efficacy of this birth control vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614-5806, USA.
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Abstract
Immunoinfertility because of antisperm antibodies (ASA) is an important cause of infertility in humans. The incidence of ASA in infertile couples is 9-36% depending on the reporting center. Early claims regarding the incidence and involvement of ASA in involuntary infertility were probably overemphasized, which has resulted in subsequent confusion, doubt, and underestimation of their clinical significance. No immunoglobulin that binds to sperm should be called an antisperm antibody in a strict sense unless it is directed against a sperm antigen that plays a role in fertilization and fertility. ASA directed against the fertilization-related antigens are more relevant to infertility than the immunoglobulins that bind to sperm associated antigens. Several methods have been reported for treatment of immunoinfertility. These include: immunosuppressive therapies using corticosteroids or cyclosporine; assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination, gamete intrafallopian transfer, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection; laboratory techniques such as sperm washing, immunomagnetic sperm separation, proteolytic enzyme treatment, and use of immunobeads. Most of the available techniques have side effects, are invasive and expensive, have low efficacy, or provide conflicting results. Recent findings using defined sperm antigens that have a role in fertilization/fertility have provided animal models and innovative novel perspectives for studying the mechanism of immunoinfertility and possible modalities for treatment. The better understanding of local immunity and latest advances in hybridoma and recombinant technologies, proteomics and genomics leading to characterization of sperm antigens relevant to fertility will help to clarify the controversy and to establish the significance of ASA in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, OH 43614-5806, USA.
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Domagala A, Kurpisz M. Identification of sperm immunoreactive antigens for immunocontraceptive purposes: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2004; 2:11. [PMID: 15035665 PMCID: PMC400756 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-2-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2003] [Accepted: 03/18/2004] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisperm antibodies (ASA) may be a reason of infertility in some individuals. They may affect pre- as well as post-fertilization stages of the reproductive process. There is ongoing progress in the identification of sperm antigens related to fertilization. The employed methods for this purpose include recombinant DNA technology and the most advanced proteomic analysis. This paper enlists the different approaches undertaken in order to identify and characterize the immunoreactive sperm antigens. We have mainly focused on those, which have been already studied in regard of their immunocontraceptive potential, although it has been impossible to include all published data concerning the topic in a single article. Few novel sperm auto- and isoantigens, discovered recently, have also been reviewed even if their role in fertilization has not been yet established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Domagala
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Abstract
The cDNA encoding for the human FA-1 sperm antigen was cloned and sequenced from the in-house constructed subtractive human testis cDNA expression library in lambda Ziplox using the FA-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The full--length sequence was obtained by using the 5' rapid amplification of 5'-cDNA end (5'-RACE) procedure. It is 1,576-bp long, and has an open reading frame (ORF) of 283 amino acids (aa) with the first ATG Met start codon at nucleotide (nt) 57 and the stop codon TAG at nt 906. It has two termination codons at the 5' end before the ATG start codon. The translated protein has a calculated molecular weight of 32.1 kDa and estimated isoelectric point (pI) of 11.59. It has one potential N-linked glycosylation site and one tyrosine phosphorylation site, besides several O-linked glycosylation and serine and threonine phosphorylation sites. Hydrophilicity analysis of the deduced aa sequence showed it to be a membrane-anchored protein. Extensive computer search in the database did not identify any known nt/aa sequence having homology with FA-1 cDNA or deduced aa, indicating it to be a novel gene. The Northern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-Southern blot analyses indicated the testis-specific expression of FA-1 antigen at the mRNA level. The ORF of the FA-1 was subcloned into pGEX- 1lambda T for expression. The expressed FA-1 recombinant protein had a molecular size of approximately 40 kDa, and was recognized by the FA-1 mAb, and not by the myeloma control Ig. The rabbit antibodies (Ab) raised against the recombinant (r) FA-1 antigen recognized the rFA-1 antigen as well as the native (n) FA-1 antigen. The rFA-1 Ab specifically recognized a protein band of approximately 50 kDa in human testis extract in the Western blot involving 11 types of human tissue extracts, indicating the testis-specific expression of FA-1 at the protein level. The Ab showed binding with live and methanol-fixed human sperm at the post-acrosomal, mid-piece, and tail regions. The Ab caused a significant (P < 0.001) and concentration-dependent inhibition of human sperm capacitation/acrosome reaction by blocking tyrosine phosphorylation of the FA-1 antigen. The sperm-specific human FA-1 recombinant antigen may find applications in immunocontraception, and diagnosis and treatment of immunoinfertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43614-5806, USA.
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Trivedi RN, Naz RK. Testis-specific antigen (TSA-1) is expressed in murine sperm and its antibodies inhibit fertilization. Am J Reprod Immunol 2002; 47:38-45. [PMID: 11883748 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2002.1o034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We recently cloned and sequenced a sperm-specific antigen, designated as testis-specific antigen-1 (TSA-1), from human testis. The present study was conducted to examine its expression and function in murine sperm, in order to find out whether or not the mouse can provide a suitable model for examining its immunocontraceptive effects. METHOD OF STUDY The antibodies (Ab) were raised against purified human rTSA-1 in virgin female rabbits. The rTSA-1 was run in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the gel containing the approximately 18 kDa band was cut, minced and used for immunization to obtain the specific Ab. The immunoglobulins from preimmune bleed and from animals injected with adjuvant alone served as control. These Ab were analysed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot procedure, immunoprecipitation procedure, immunocytochemical technique (ICT), immunobead binding technique (IBT), acrosome reaction and sperm-zona binding assay. RESULTS Active immunization of female rabbits with purified rTSA-1 protein of 18 kDa, produced high titer Ab against the recombinant antigen. These Ab to rTSA-1 were used in the present study. In Western blot procedure, rTSA-1 Ab recognized a specific protein band of approximately 24 +/- 3 kDa in murine sperm extract, the band similar to found in human sperm extract. In the immunoprecipitation procedure, rTSA-1 Ab immunoprecipitated the protein band of similar size from extracts of murine sperm and murine testis. The ICT and the IBT studies revealed the subcellular localization of TSA-1 on the surface of acrosome and tail regions of the non-capacitated and capacitated murine sperm cells. In functional bioassays, rTSA-1 Ab inhibited the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg binding in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the TSA-1 is expressed in murine sperm and may have a biological role in sperm function and sperm-egg binding. In vitro inhibition of capacitation/acrosome reaction and sperm-zona binding suggests that the mouse can provide a suitable model to examine the immunocontraceptive effects of TSA-1 in actively immunized animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram N Trivedi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43614-5806, USA
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Abstract
Development of a vaccine(s) based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach to contraception. The utility of an antigen in immunocontraception is contingent upon sperm/testis-specificity and its involvement in the fertilization process. Since, the sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) recognition and binding constitutes the most important event in the fertilization process, molecules involved at this site are attractive candidates for immunocontraception. Using hybridoma technology, subtractive hybridization, and differential display technology, our laboratory has delineated several sperm antigens. These antigens have testis-specific expression and have a role in the fertilization process. The cDNAs encoding for the antigens have been cloned and sequenced. Among these, the fertilization antigen (FA-1) is particularly interesting, because it is involved in immuno-infertility in humans. Using the phage peptide display technique, a novel dodecamer sequence of a approximately 72+/-5 kD antigen, designated as YLP(12), that is testis-specific and involved in human sperm-ZP recognition/binding, was identified. A synthetic 12-mer peptide was generated based on this sequence. In the hemizona assay, YLP(12) peptide and its monovalent Fab' antibodies specifically and significantly inhibited human sperm-ZP binding. Furthermore, the presence of specific antibodies reactive with YLP(12) peptide, were identified in the serum and seminal plasma of immuno-infertile men. Thus, FA-1 and YLP(12) are promising target antigens for the development of contraceptive vaccines as well as for specific diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Room 211, Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Education Building, Medical College of Ohio, 3055 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614-5806, USA.
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Chauhan SC, Naz RK. Effect of antibodies to sperm-specific recombinant contraceptive vaccinogen (rCV) on murine fertilization: search for an animal model to examine its contraceptive potential. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:425-32. [PMID: 11599055 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we cloned and sequenced a sperm-specific antigen, designated as Contraceptive Vaccinogen (rCV), from human testis (Naz et al., 2001). The present study was conducted to examine its proteomic homologue and function in murine sperm, in order to find out whether or not the mouse can provide a suitable model for examining its immunocontraceptive effects. This was examined by using purified antibodies (Ab) raised against the recombinant (r) human CV antigen of approximately 44 kD. In the Western blot procedure, rCV antibodies recognized a specific protein band of approximately 64 +/- 5 kD in murine testis and murine sperm extracts, the band similar to that found in human testis and human sperm. In the immunoprecipitation procedure, rCV Ab immunoprecipitated a protein band of similar size from murine sperm and murine testis extracts. The immunocytochemical (ICT), immunoscanning electronmicroscopic (ISEM) and the immunobead binding technique (IBT) revealed the subcellular localization of CV antigen on the surface of acrosome and tail regions of the noncapacitated and capacitated murine sperm cell. In functional bioassays, rCV Ab inhibited the acrosome reaction as well as sperm-egg binding in vitro. These data indicate that the CV antigen is expressed in murine sperm and has a biological role in sperm function and sperm-egg binding. In vitro inhibition of capacitation/acrosome reaction and sperm-zona binding suggest that the mouse can provide a suitable model to examine the immunocontraceptive effects of CV antigen in actively-immunized animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Chauhan
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43614-5806, USA
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Santhanam R, Naz RK. Novel human testis-specific cDNA: molecular cloning, expression and immunobiological effects of the recombinant protein. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:1-12. [PMID: 11550262 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A differential display-polymerase chain reaction was employed to obtain a testis-specific cDNA fragment. On screening the human testis-(lambda)gt10-cDNA library with testis-specific cDNA fragment, a novel cDNA encoding for a sperm antigen, designated TSA-1, was obtained. It has a novel open reading frame (ORF) of 471 base pairs encoding for 156 amino acids. The computer generated translated protein has a calculated molecular mass of 17.4 kDa and contains a potential N-glycosylation site at amino acids 122-124. The hydrophilicity analysis of the amino acid sequence suggested that this protein is a membrane-anchored peptide. Extensive analysis for tissue-specificity by Northern blots and RT-PCR-Southern blot procedures using various human tissues indicated that TSA-1 was specifically expressed only in the human testis. Based on the results of in vitro transcription and translation experiments, the TSA-1 (ORF) was subcloned into pGEX-6P-3 vector and expressed using the glutathione S-transferase gene fusion system. Antibodies (Ab) against the purified recombinant protein specifically recognized the approximately 17 kDa recombinant TSA-1, and a approximately 24 kDa band in human sperm extract in the Western blot procedure. The recombinant TSA-1 Ab recognized the acrosomal, equatorial, mid-piece, and tail regions of human sperm cell in indirect immunofluorescence, bound to live human sperm in the immunobeads binding technique (IBT) and caused a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of human sperm acrosome reaction. These findings indicate that the novel sperm-specific recombinant TSA-1 has a role in sperm function and may have applications in the development of a contraceptive vaccine, and in the specific diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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MESH Headings
- Acrosome Reaction
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antibodies/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/chemistry
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Western
- Cloning, Molecular
- Contraception, Immunologic/methods
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- GPI-Linked Proteins
- Humans
- Male
- Membrane Proteins
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Molecular Weight
- Organ Specificity
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Spermatozoa/immunology
- Spermatozoa/physiology
- Testis/cytology
- Testis/immunology
- Testis/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- R Santhanam
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614-5806, USA
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Abstract
Development of a vaccine(s) based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach to contraception. The utility of a sperm antigen in immunocontraception is contingent upon its tissue specificity, involvement in fertility and on raising high antibody titer, especially locally in the genital tract, that is capable of inducing reversible infertility. Several sperm antigens, such as lactate dehydrogenase C4, PH-20, sperm protein (SP)-10, fertilization antigen (FA)-1, FA-2, cleavage signal (CS)-1, NZ-1, and NZ-2 have been proposed as potential candidates for the vaccine development. Spermzona pellucida (ZP) binding is a pivotal tissue- and mostly species-specific event in the fertilization process, and the molecules involved in this site constitute the most exciting candidates for immuno-contraception. FA-1 is a sperm-specific glycoprotein having receptor activity for ZP recognition and binding. Complementary DNA encoding for FA-1 antigen has been cloned and sequenced. Active immunization of animals with recombinant FA-1 antigen causes a long-lasting reversible inhibition in fertility by raising a sperm-specific immune response. This antigen is also involved in human immunoinfertility. The exciting findings from the recent trial in immunoinfertile couples indicate that the FA-1 antigen may have clinical application in the treatment of male infertility. A vaccine having most appropriate tissue-specific and effective recombinant and/or synthetic epitopes of various sperm antigens, such as the FA-1 antigen, in a single formulation may provide a highly immunogenic and efficacious antisperm vaccine for contraception. The advances made during the last 5 years suggest that it may be a realistic proposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43614-5806, USA.
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