1
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Ma X, Kadir Z, Li J, Zhang F. The effects of GM-CSF and IL-5 as molecular adjuvants on immune responses and contraception induced by mZP3 DNA vaccination. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:476-85. [PMID: 22934542 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Various approaches have been developed to improve the antibody response of zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 (ZP3) vaccination. In this study, we investigated whether GM-CSF and IL-5 can be used as cytokine adjuvants to increase the humoral immune response generated by mouse ZP3 (mZP3) DNA vaccine. METHOD OF STUDY Mice in experimental group were injected by GM-CSF 4 days before the co-immunization of IL-5 and mZP3 DNA vaccine. The contraception and the correlation with humoral and cellular immune responses were analyzed after immunization and mating. The effect of cytokine adjuvant on the maturation of DCs was evaluated. RESULTS Co-immunization of GM-CSF and IL-5 with mZP3 DNA vaccine induced the highest level of serum IgG and IL-4 expression in CD4(+) T cells. Importantly, this strategy reduced mice fertility without disrupting normal ovarian morphology. GM-CSF enhanced the maturation of DCs evidenced by up-regulating the expression of MHC-II and CD86. CONCLUSION GM-CSF and IL-5 co-administration enhanced humoral immune responses to mZP3, and this may be a potential strategy for development of immunocontraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
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2
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Ma X, Li J, Zhang F. Intranasal co-delivery with the mouse zona pellucida 3 and GM-CSF expressing constructs enhances humoral immune responses and contraception in mice. Scand J Immunol 2012; 76:521-7. [PMID: 22924630 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2012.02765.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) regulates the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and has been broadly used as the adjuvant. Here, we tested whether intranasal delivery of GM-CSF can improve the contraception of mouse zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) DNA vaccine. Our results showed that co-administration of GM-CSF and mZP3 DNA vaccine increased the levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) and IgG antibodies in vaginal washes and serum, respectively. Co-administration enhanced Th2 responses through improving the maturation of dendritic cells. Importantly, GM-CSF significantly reduced the fertility rate and mean litter size induced by mZP3 DNA vaccine alone without interfering the normal follicular development. These data suggest that GM-CSF could be used as adjuvant to develop immunocontraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
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3
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Mapping of minimal motifs of B-cell epitopes on human zona pellucida glycoprotein-3. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2012:831010. [PMID: 22162720 PMCID: PMC3227431 DOI: 10.1155/2012/831010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 (hZP3) by virtue of its critical role during fertilization has been proposed as a promising candidate antigen to develop a contraceptive vaccine. In this direction, it is imperative to map minimal motifs of the B cell epitopes (BCEs) so as to avoid ZP-specific oophoritogenic T cell epitopes (TCEs) in the ZP3-based immunogens. In this study, based on known results of mapping marmoset and bonnet monkey ZP3 (mstZP3 and bmZP3), two predictable epitopes23–30 and 301–320 on hZP3 were first confirmed and five minimal motifs within four epitopes on hZP3 were defined using serum to recombinant hZP3a22–176 or hZP3b177–348 as well as a biosynthetic peptide strategy. These defined minimal motifs were QPLWLL23–28 for hZP323–30, MQVTDD103–108 for hZP393–110, EENW178–181 for hZP3172–190, as well as SNSWF306–310 and EGP313–315 for hZP3301–320, respectively. Furthermore, the antigenicity of two peptides for hZP3172–187 and hZP3301–315 and specificity of the antibody response to these peptides were also evaluated, which produced high-titer antibodies in immunized animals that were capable of reacting to ZP on human oocytes, r-hZP3b177–348 protein, as well as r-hZP3172–190, r-hZP3303–310, and r-hZP3313–320 epitope peptides fused with truncated GST188 protein.
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4
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Walcher P, Cui X, Arrow JA, Scobie S, Molinia FC, Cowan PE, Lubitz W, Duckworth JA. Bacterial ghosts as a delivery system for zona pellucida-2 fertility control vaccines for brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Vaccine 2008; 26:6832-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.09.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2006] [Revised: 09/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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5
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O'Leary S, Lloyd ML, Shellam GR, Robertson SA. Immunization with recombinant murine cytomegalovirus expressing murine zona pellucida 3 causes permanent infertility in BALB/c mice due to follicle depletion and ovulation failure. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:849-60. [PMID: 18667753 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.067884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins are promising candidate antigens for use in immunocontraceptive vaccines because of their crucial role in mammalian fertilization. A single intraperitoneal immunization with recombinant murine cytomegalovirus engineered to express murine ZP3 (rMCMV-mZP3) induces permanent infertility with no evident systemic illness in female BALB/c mice. To investigate the mechanisms underpinning reproductive failure elicited by rMCMV-mZP3, ovarian parameters and reproductive function were evaluated at time points spanning 10 days to 5 wk after virus inoculation. Fertility was substantially impaired by 14 days after inoculation with rMCMV-mZP3 and was fully ablated by 21 days. Pregnancies established after inoculation but before complete infertility showed no adverse effects on fetal viability assessed at Day 17.5 post coitum (pc). Infertile mice retained estrous cycling activity and remained receptive to mating; however, at Day 3.5 pc there were fewer developing embryos and corpora lutea, plasma progesterone content was reduced, and there was no evidence of excess unfertilized oocytes. Consistent with this, profound ovarian pathology was evident from 10 days after rMCMV-mZP3 inoculation, with a decline first in mature ovarian follicles and then in immature ovarian follicles and with diminished expression of genes regulating follicle development, including Nobox, Gdf9, and Gja1 (connexin43). Follicle loss was associated with mild focal oophoritis and with recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes, predominantly CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells evident from 10 days after virus inoculation. These data indicate that vaccination with rMCMV-mZP3 causes permanent infertility in BALB/c mice principally due to induction of ovarian autoimmune pathology leading to progressive oocyte depletion and eventual ovulation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean O'Leary
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia 5005
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6
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Abstract
There is real need worldwide to control the population growth of companion animals. Throughout the world and particularly in the United States, overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats is a concern for many reasons. Feral populations pose risk to native species by spread of disease and predation. That unwanted animals are humanely eradicated is of concern to many persons. The need to control population growth has led to various approaches to contraception, including immunocontraception. Concerns regarding efficacy, duration of action, harm to the individual, and species specificity are among the issues being addressed. As new technologies emerge, ethical, political, and safety issues evoke differing opinions. It is hoped that in the near future, different strategies will be developed to solve this disturbing problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Purswell
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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7
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Abstract
Contraceptives are used for reversible reproductive control in genetically valuable wild felids, as permanent reproductive control in generic wild felids, and as an economically practicable means to control feral cats. The progestin contraceptives, megestrol acetate, melengesterol acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and levonorgestrol (administered orally, in implants, or as depot injections), are effective in preventing pregnancy. However, long-term use is associated with endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and mammary cancer. Gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs or luteinizing hormone vaccines that achieve contraception by suppressing ovarian or testicular function, do not have the adverse health effects of progestins. However, reliable reversibility has not been demonstrated, and male secondary sex characteristics may be suppressed. Bisdiamines also inhibit spermatogenesis and lower circulating testosterone concentrations in treated male cats. Porcine zona pellucida vaccines are ineffective contraceptives in felids and may cause serious health problems when combined with some adjuvants. Because of the limited availability of non-progestin contraceptives and side effects associated with some agents, widespread application of contraception to felids has been curtailed. More non-steroidal methods of contraception should be tested in the future to provide alternatives for controlling reproduction in felids. Furthermore, all empirical information on contraceptive safety and efficacy should be assembled in a database to provide the knowledge needed by veterinarians and managers to determine benefits/risks of currently available contraceptives in felids, both domestic and wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Munson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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8
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Mackenzie SM, McLaughlin EA, Perkins HD, French N, Sutherland T, Jackson RJ, Inglis B, Müller WJ, van Leeuwen BH, Robinson AJ, Kerr PJ. Immunocontraceptive Effects on Female Rabbits Infected with Recombinant Myxoma Virus Expressing Rabbit ZP2 or ZP3. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:511-21. [PMID: 16306421 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.046268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant myxoma viruses expressing rabbit zona pellucida 2 (rZP2) or rabbit zona pellucida 3 (rZP3) glycoproteins were constructed and tested in domestic rabbits to assess their potential to induce autoimmune infertility. The recombinant virus expressing rZP2 had no effect on fertility or ovarian histology, despite all animals developing antibodies against the rZP2 antigen. However, recombinant viruses expressing rZP3 induced infertility in 70% of animals at the first breeding. Serum antibodies were relatively short-lived, but antibody was bound to zona pellucida of all rabbits from Day 10 onward. There was no obvious correlation between infertility and rZP3 antibody titer. There was a transient inflammatory response in the ovaries of rZP3-immunized rabbits at Day 15 but no T-cell response to rZP3 could be detected at any time. Dysfunctional follicular formation was present in ovaries from rabbits infected with rZP3-expressing viruses 15-40 days postinfection but this had disappeared at later time points. A recombinant myxoma virus expressing a modified rZP3 antigen with the C-terminal hydrophobic putative anchor sequence deleted was also tested. This virus did not induce either infertility or an antibody response against the zona pellucida. Thus, the context of antigen presentation was crucial for an autoimmune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Mackenzie
- Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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9
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Wu GM, Lai L, Mao J, McCauley TC, Caamaño JN, Cantley T, Rieke A, Murphy CN, Prather RS, Didion BA, Day BN. Birth of piglets by in vitro fertilization of zona-free porcine oocytes. Theriogenology 2004; 62:1544-56. [PMID: 15451262 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2004] [Accepted: 02/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present experiments were conducted to optimize in vitro fertilization conditions for zona pellucida-free (ZP-free) oocytes and their subsequent development. The results demonstrated that: (1) maximal fertilization efficiency was achieved at 200 spermatozoa per ZP-free oocyte. At this sperm dose, there were no significant differences in penetration rates and polyspermy rates from controls (zona-intact oocytes with 1000 spermatozoa/oocyte), indicating that ZPs of in vitro matured pig oocytes failed to block polyspermy during in vitro fertilization. (2) In vitro development of zygotes from ZP-free oocytes showed that there was no difference in cleavage rates. The blastocyst rate was slightly lower in the ZP-free group than the control. However, there was no difference in cell number per blastocyst between the control and the ZP-free group. (3) Examination of acrosome status by a specific fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) staining procedure revealed that frozen-thawed pig spermatozoa could undergo acrosome reaction and penetrate oocytes without induction by ZP. These data suggested that there are alternative mechanistic pathways for acrosome reaction induction during the fertilization process than the widely accepted sperm-zona receptor models. Finally, the viability of ZP-free derived embryos was demonstrated by full-term development and the delivery of healthy piglets following embryo transfer. In conclusion, the present experiments showed for the first time in farm animals, that normal embryos could be produced by in vitro fertilization of ZP-free oocytes in optimized conditions and that they could develop normally to full-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Ming Wu
- Department of Animal Sciences, 159 Animal Science Research Center, College of Agriculture, University of Missouri-Columbia, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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10
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Gu W, Holland M, Janssens P, Seamark R, Kerr P. Immune response in rabbit ovaries following infection of a recombinant myxoma virus expressing rabbit zona pellucida protein B. Virology 2004; 318:516-23. [PMID: 14972520 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2003.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2003] [Revised: 09/24/2003] [Accepted: 10/09/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the autoimmune response in rabbit ovaries following infection with a recombinant myxoma virus expressing rabbit zona pellucida protein B (MV-ZPB). A specific IgG antibody response to ZPB was elicited in the serum of infected rabbits and the antibody strongly bound to the zona pellucida of oocytes in secondary and tertiary follicles. T cell infiltration in the ovary was detected in a small proportion of the infected rabbits. In spite of this, the mean number of preovulatory and tertiary follicles in the ovary was significantly reduced at 30 days postinfection compared with that of the infected and uninfected controls. Histological analysis revealed that the cortex and medulla of these ovaries had accumulated a large number of probably luteinized cells and there were no follicles in these areas, indicating the ovaries were in a severe pathological condition. The data suggest that the delivery of ZP antigens using a recombinant myxoma virus is a prospective way to develop immunocontraceptive vaccines for rabbit population control, but that more understanding of the kinetics of the autoimmune response induced by viral delivery is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Gu
- Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the School of Life Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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11
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Xiang RL, Zhou F, Yang Y, Peng JP. Construction of the plasmid pCMV4-rZPC' DNA vaccine and analysis of its contraceptive potential. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1518-24. [PMID: 12606447 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.007849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida C (ZPC) is a major glycoprotein of the zona pellucida that possesses the sperm receptor function. ZPC induces autoantibody that can block sperm/oocyte interaction. We selected the partial sequence of rabbit ZPC (amino acid 263-415, rZPC') as the target and constructed the pCMV4-rZPC' gene vaccine by using DNA recombinant techniques. The total RNA was extracted from the ovaries of the sexually healthy female rabbit, and the rZPC' cDNA, which was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, was directly inserted into the cloning vector PCR2.1 to construct the PCR2.1-rZPC'. This insertion fragment was subcloned into the pCMV4 vector to form the pCMV4-rZPC' prototype DNA vaccine. All experimental BALB/C mice and New Zealand rabbits received i.m. injection of pCMV4-rZPC' vaccine three times. The results show that 1) the pCMV4-rZPC' construct expresses rZPC' cDNA in mice muscle cells, 2) 60% of the immunized female mice were infertile at 6 wk after the immunization, 3) the mice immunized with pCMV4-rZPC' DNA vaccine developed anti-rZPC antibodies that bound to the ovarian ZP in situ, and 4) antibodies against rZPC' were also bound to normal animal ovarian ZP in vitro. The results indicate that anti-rZPC antibodies developed from pCMV4-rZPC' DNA vaccine can prevent the fertility course and do not interfere with normal follicular development. The pCMV4-rZPC' DNA vaccine may be possible to develop as a contraceptive vaccine.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoantibodies/immunology
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA Transposable Elements
- DNA, Complementary/biosynthesis
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Egg Proteins/genetics
- Egg Proteins/immunology
- Female
- Fertility/drug effects
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Immunization
- Immunohistochemistry
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Ovarian Follicle/physiology
- Plasmids/genetics
- Pregnancy
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Rabbits
- Receptors, Cell Surface
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sperm-Ovum Interactions/genetics
- Sperm-Ovum Interactions/physiology
- Vaccines, Contraceptive/genetics
- Vaccines, Contraceptive/immunology
- Vaccines, Contraceptive/pharmacology
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/pharmacology
- Zona Pellucida/metabolism
- Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Lan Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
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12
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Abstract
The use of vaccination as a means of controlling fertility was established during the last decade with the publication of a successful Phase II trial demonstrating the efficacy of this approach to family planning. However, only this one Phase II trial has been completed despite a plethora of hormonal and gamete antigens that have been proposed as candidate vaccines. Improvements in the design and formulation of contraceptive vaccines are underway and will be a necessary prelude to further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Delves
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, Windeyer Institute of Medical Sciences, University College London, UK.
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13
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Gorman SP, Levy JK, Hampton AL, Collante WR, Harris AL, Brown RG. Evaluation of a porcine zona pellucida vaccine for the immunocontraception of domestic kittens (Felis catus). Theriogenology 2002; 58:135-49. [PMID: 12182357 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)00904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
With a seasonally polyestrus breeding structure, the unwanted domestic cat population has proven difficult to control. Various lethal methods have been used in an attempt to lower this population of cats. Recently, humane attempts to control "pest species," such as the feral cat, have focused on immunocontraception. SpayVacTM is a vaccine that uses antibodies raised against porcine (ZP) antigens to prevent fertilization of the ovum. SpayVac, delivered in a single dose, has been evaluated in fallow deer and several species of seals with >90% reduction in fertility and no adverse reactions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of SpayVac in reducing fertility in domestic kittens. Thirty female kittens were treated with SpayVac containing either Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) or alum, or with a control vehicle. Kittens were monitored for side effects, estrus cycling at maturity, and fecundity. Anti-porcine ZP antibodies were quantified by ELISA. Immunohistochemical assays measured the species specificity of the antibodies produced and IgG binding in vivo. Despite high anti-porcine ZP antibody titers, neither formulation of SpayVac prevented estrus cycling at maturity or reduced fecundity. Immunohistochemical assays indicated that antibodies produced by cats treated with SpayVac recognized porcine ZP, but not feline ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn P Gorman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0126, USA
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14
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Cariño C, Prasad S, Skinner S, Dunbar B, Chirinos M, Schwoebel E, Larrea F, Dunbar B. Localization of species conserved zona pellucida antigens in mammalian ovaries. Reprod Biomed Online 2002; 4:116-26. [PMID: 12470573 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61928-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) consists of three glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3), which are variably conserved among species at the genomic and amino acid levels. In order to evaluate the expression of ZP during ovarian development, a population of antibodies was selected that recognize species conserved antigenic domains of the three ZP proteins. Domain specific antibodies were selected from sera of rabbits immunized with all three native pig ZP proteins by elution of antibodies bound to each of the three human ZP recombinant proteins expressed from cDNAs, using the baculovirus expression system in insect cells. Immunoblot analysis was used to characterize the specificity of the antibodies and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the stage specific expression of ZP proteins during ovarian follicular development of the mouse, baboon and human. This study demonstrates that the conserved domains of all three ZP proteins are localized in the oocyte extracellular ZP matrix as well as in a subset of granulosa cells. However, this expression does vary among species with respect to the stage and cell type during early stages of ovarian follicular development. These antibodies should serve as excellent markers for evaluating early stages of human ovarian follicular development and in the development of contraceptive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Cariño
- Department of Reproductive Biology, The National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Dunbar BS, Timmons TM, Skinner SM, Prasad SV. Molecular analysis of a carbohydrate antigen involved in the structure and function of zona pellucida glycoproteins. Biol Reprod 2001; 65:951-60. [PMID: 11514363 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod65.3.951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A lactosaminoglycan-associated antigen is associated with a carbohydrate moiety of all three zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins of pig and rabbit but is absent in the mouse and rat. A monoclonal antibody (PS1) recognizing this determinant was obtained by immunizing mice with a porcine ZP glycoprotein isoform purified by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Conditions known to remove O-linked or sialic acid carbohydrate moieties (alkaline reduction; O-glycanase or neuraminidase enzymatic cleavage) did not remove the carbohydrate epitope. However, treatment with endo-beta-glycosidase, endoglycosidase F, or combinations of neuraminidase plus beta-galactosidase, totally removed the determinant, indicating that it is associated with a poly-N-acetyllactosaminoglycan structure present on an N-linked oligosaccharide. Molecular morphology studies using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques demonstrate that the PS1 antigen is localized at the surface of the ZP. Confirmation of this localization was obtained through studies that show that this antibody will inhibit homologous sperm binding to the pig ZP. Additional analyses using modular contrast microscopy and immunocytochemistry demonstrate that this carbohydrate-associated antigen is localized in discrete layers throughout the ZP matrix. These studies are the first to demonstrate the presence of a lactosaminoglycan type carbohydrate moiety in all three ZP proteins using a monoclonal antibody that appears to be involved in sperm recognition and structural organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dunbar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Govind CK, Gupta SK. Failure of female baboons (Papio anubis) to conceive following immunization with recombinant non-human primate zona pellucida glycoprotein-B expressed in Escherichia coli. Vaccine 2000; 18:2970-8. [PMID: 10825598 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(00)00103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Progress in the development of an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on zona pellucida glycoproteins has been hampered due to observed ovarian dysfunction associated with immunization using these as immunogens. In this study four female baboons (Papio anubis) were immunized with recombinant bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) zona pellucida glycoprotein-B (r-bmZPB) expressed in Escherichia coli and conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (DT) using Arlacel-A and Squalene as adjuvants. All the immunized animals elicited a good antibody response against r-bmZPB, continued to have ovulatory cycles and showed no disturbance in the cyclicity. In presence of high titres of circulating anti-bmZPB antibodies (>2x10(3) antibody units), the immunized animals failed to conceive following mating with males of proven fertility. Pregnancy was observed in the immunized animals subsequent to the decline in anti-r-bmZPB antibody titres. These results, though preliminary, suggest that immunization with ZPB may be used for immunocontraception without obvious ovarian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Govind
- Gamete Antigen Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India
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17
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Kapoor P, Compton MM, Howarth B. Immunization of chickens with quail and turkey perivitelline membrane proteins: production of antibodies and their effects on fertility. Poult Sci 2000; 79:245-56. [PMID: 10735754 DOI: 10.1093/ps/79.2.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-reactivity of antibodies developed against zona pellucida proteins and their subsequent deleterious effect on fertility in heterologous species is well documented. However, similar investigations have not been undertaken in avian species. In Experiment 1, White Leghorn hens were immunized with intact germinal discs (GD) of quail and chickens. Chicken GD proteins did not elicit an immune response in chicken hens, whereas quail GD proteins were highly immunogenic. Anti-quail GD antibodies did not bind with chicken inner perivitelline membrane (IPM) proteins as determined by immunoblot analysis. To examine the fertility of immunized hens, artificial insemination was performed at weekly intervals for 4 wk following the booster immunization. No significant differences were detected in fertility or hatchability of immunized hens when compared with unimmunized control hens. In Experiment 2, White Leghorn hens were immunized with intact turkey GD, solubilized turkey perivitelline membrane (PM) modified with dinitrophenol (DNP), and solubilized chicken IPM modified with DNP. High titers of antibodies were detected against the turkey GD and the DNP-modified turkey PM proteins. A weak immune response was observed in hens immunized with modified chicken IPM proteins. The fertility and hatchability of eggs laid by immunized hens, however, were not significantly different from those of unimmunized hens. Antibodies from immunized hens were further analyzed using an in vitro assay that assesses sperm penetration of intact IPM. Sperm penetration of intact IPM was inhibited to the same extent when IPM was preincubated with preimmune as well as anti-PM immunoglobulins. Collectively, these results suggested that the antibodies developed in these hens did not cross-react with the chicken IPM proteins involved in sperm-egg interaction and thus did not influence the fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kapoor
- Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia, Athens 30602-2772, USA
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Skinner SM, Schwoebel ES, Prasad SV, Oguna M, Dunbar BS. Mapping of dominant B-cell epitopes of a human zona pellucida protein (ZP1). Biol Reprod 1999; 61:1373-80. [PMID: 10569978 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod61.6.1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins contain numerous antigenic determinants including carbohydrate, protein, and conformational epitopes; and the immunogenicity of these complex glycoproteins varies in different mammalian hosts. Studies have now shown that antibodies from primates immunized with a cDNA-expressed recombinant rabbit ZP protein (the homologue of the human ZP1 [hZP1]) inhibit sperm binding to the ZP without altering ovarian function, unlike immunization with ZP3 and ZP2 protein families. The ZP1 protein or peptides derived from it (recombinant or synthetic) are therefore primary candidates for use in designing safe and reversible human and animal contraceptive vaccines. In order to define peptide epitope(s) that may be critical for eliciting an immune response sufficient to effect immunological contraception without causing any adverse effects on ovarian physiology, studies have been carried out to identify immunodominant B-cell epitopes of the ZP1 protein. The amino acid sequence of the hZP1 was used to design a set of 94 (15-mer) biotinylated peptides having an overlap of 9 amino acids. Using these peptides in a modified enzyme-linked immunoassay, antibodies in sera from rabbits or baboons immunized with native porcine ZP protein were screened for ZP1 peptide recognition. These studies demonstrate that there are a limited number of peptides recognized by primate antibodies but that the overlapping peptides sharing the sequence GPLTLELQI are recognized by both rabbit and baboon antibodies regardless of the adjuvant system used to induce the immune response. This peptide is 100% conserved in amino acid sequence between the human and pig, although the rabbit protein has two conserved amino acid substitutions (100% similar, 77% identical). Because this peptide is immunogenic as well as antigenic in primates, it could play a major role in the development of human contraceptive vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Skinner
- Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030-3411 Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
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Kerr PJ, Jackson RJ, Robinson AJ, Swan J, Silvers L, French N, Clarke H, Hall DF, Holland MK. Infertility in female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) alloimmunized with the rabbit zona pellucida protein ZPB either as a purified recombinant protein or expressed by recombinant myxoma virus. Biol Reprod 1999; 61:606-13. [PMID: 10456835 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod61.3.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of immunocontraceptives for wild rabbit populations requires selection of both effective antigens and effective delivery systems. Recombinant rabbit zona pellucida glycoprotein B (ZPB) produced in eukaryotic cells in vitro was an effective antigen and induced sustained infertility in 70% of female rabbits. This required two boosts and serum antibody titers of 12 800 or greater. Antibody titers in females were low after the initial immunization, as might be expected with a self-antigen; however, male rabbits had a strong antibody response, indicating that the protein was immunologically foreign. To develop a delivery system, ZPB was delivered by infection with a recombinant myxoma virus. In contrast to the results with ZPB protein, infection of rabbits induced a similar serum antibody response to ZPB in both sexes. This indicated that presentation of ZPB in the context of a virus infection was able to overcome tolerance in females. However, the antibody titers were lower than 12 800, and only 25% of female rabbits were infertile. This antibody response was boosted by injections of recombinant ZPB protein, after which 80% of female rabbits were infertile. Infertility was associated with antibody binding to zonae and varying degrees of ovarian pathology characterized by follicular degeneration and substantial depletion of primordial follicles. Oocyte and follicular degeneration appeared to be the principal mechanism of infertility and may be primarily induced by antibodies to ZPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kerr
- Vertebrate Biocontrol Cooperative Research Centre, CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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Jewgenow K, Fickel J. Sequential expression of zona pellucida protein genes during the oogenesis of domestic cats. Biol Reprod 1999; 60:522-6. [PMID: 9916023 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod60.2.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the earliest developmental stage of zona pellucida (ZP) protein gene expression during oogenesis in domestic cats (Felis catus) by means of immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods. Semi-thin sections (1 microm) from domestic cat ovaries were treated with anti-cat ZP serum raised in guinea pig, and then incubated with silver-labeled anti-guinea pig IgG. To distinguish between the three ZP proteins, total RNA was extracted from freshly isolated cat primordial, primary, and secondary follicles as well as from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and subjected to reverse transcription (RT). The generated cDNAs were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific feline ZPA, ZPB, and ZPC gene primers. All amplified products were sequenced to confirm their identity. Neither ZP mRNAs nor ZP proteins were detectable in primordial and early primary follicles. The immunohistological approach indicated the expression of ZP proteins in some of the primary follicles as well as in secondary follicles and COCs. Follow-up by RT-PCR revealed that only one ZP (ZPB) was expressed in growing primary follicles (70-80 microm), whereas all three ZP mRNAs were detectable in secondary follicles and COCs. We therefore assume a sequential synthesis of zona proteins in the cat ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jewgenow
- Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, D-10252 Berlin, Germany.
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Brown RG, Bowen WD, Eddington JD, Kimmins WC, Mezei M, Parsons JL, Pohajdak B. Temporal trends in antibody production in captive grey, harp and hooded seals to a single administration immunocontraceptive vaccine. J Reprod Immunol 1997; 35:53-64. [PMID: 9373858 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(97)00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The temporal production of antibody to a single-administration immunocontraceptive vaccine, known to be immunocontraceptive in free-ranging female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), was studied in captive grey seals, harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata). The vaccine is based on liposome delivery of porcine zona pellucida antigens. When measured by antigen capture, the response of hooded and harp seals to the vaccine was similar to the response of grey seals. Determination of antibody production by ELISA with protein A, ELISA with rabbit anti-seal immunoglobulin sera and SDS-PAGE after affinity chromatography confirmed the similarity in response to the vaccine by grey and harp seals, but suggested lower titers in hooded seals. The vaccine produced titers in captive, juvenile grey and harp seals known to be immunocontraceptive in wild, adult grey seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Brown
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada.
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