1
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Xue F, Wang L, Liu Y, Tang H, Xu W, Xu C. Vaccination with an Epitope Peptide of IZUMO1 to Induce Contraception in Female Mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:474-85. [PMID: 26782177 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The development of a new and suitable contraceptive methods, as well as in-depth and systematic research into underlying contraceptive mechanisms, is crucial. IZUMO1 plays an important role in the fusion of the sperm and ovum during fertilization. Izumo(-/-) mice are infertile. Therefore, IZUMO1 may be a potential target for the development of a contraceptive vaccine. METHOD OF STUDY Linear B-cell epitopes (BCE) were identified in IZUMO using biosynthetic peptides and used to immunize female mice. RESULTS Five IZUMO BCE were identified: DLVLDCL177-183, YSFYRV196-201 (named BCE-2), YLT217-219, SMVGPED221-227, and DAGNY228-232. Active immunization with the BCE-2 vaccine sharply decreased the fertility rate in female mice in a safe and reversible manner. In vitro fertilization showed that the BCE-2 vaccine interferes with and blocks the fusion of the sperm and the ovum. CONCLUSIONS B-cell epitopes-2 may be a new candidate for the development of contraceptive vaccine due to its effectiveness, safety, and reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xue
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiping Tang
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptives Drugstore & Devices, Department of Reproductive Biology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanxiang Xu
- National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptives Drugstore & Devices, Department of Reproductive Biology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Maenhoudt C, Santos NR, Fontbonne A. Suppression of Fertility in Adult Dogs. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49 Suppl 2:58-63. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Maenhoudt
- UP Reproduction Animale; CERCA (Centre d'Etudes en Reproduction des Carnivores); Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
| | - NR Santos
- UP Reproduction Animale; CERCA (Centre d'Etudes en Reproduction des Carnivores); Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
| | - A Fontbonne
- UP Reproduction Animale; CERCA (Centre d'Etudes en Reproduction des Carnivores); Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
- UMR 1198 INRA/ENVA; Alfort National Veterinary College; Maisons-Alfort Cedex France
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3
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Kadir Z, Ma X, Li J, Zhang F. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances the humoral immune responses of mouse zona pellucida 3 vaccine strategy based on DNA and protein coadministration in BALB/c mice. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:400-7. [PMID: 23111125 DOI: 10.1177/1933719112459236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that co-administration of mouse zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) DNA and protein vaccine enhanced the contraception of mice by increasing humoral immune responses. In this study, we try to use granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to further improve the humoral immune responses induced by mZP3 DNA and protein co-administration. BALB/c mice were intranasally pre-injected with GM-CSF 4 days before co-administration. Compared to DNA and protein coadministration without GM-CSF, the combination of GM-CSF and coadministration significantly enhances humoral immune responses, especially the level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in vaginal washes. The enhanced antibody responses are correlated with the upregulated level of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and enhanced maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Thus, GM-CSF is a potential candidate adjuvant to be used for the development of a safe and effective contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibirnisa Kadir
- College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Urumqi, China
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4
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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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5
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Zhang A, Li J, Zhao G, Geng S, Zhuang S, Wang B, Zhang F. Intranasal co-administration with the mouse zona pellucida 3 expressing construct and its coding protein induces contraception in mice. Vaccine 2011; 29:6785-92. [PMID: 21262188 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida 3 (ZP3), an autoantigen, once used to develop contraceptive vaccine has been faced a safety issue. Avoiding its pathogenic T cell activation, we intranasally co-delivered the mZP3 DNA- and protein-based vaccines in mice and observed that a higher level of sIgA and IgG antibodies in vaginal washes, bronchoalveolar lavages and serum and yielded a lower level of fertility and mean litter size. Importantly, histological analysis showed that normal follicular developments of the infertile mice were not disrupted in the co-delivered group. Thus, the intranasal co-delivery may present a safe strategy for the development of contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Urumqi 830046, PR China
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6
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Xu WX, He YP, Tang HP, Jia XF, Ji CN, Gu SH, Sun XX, Xie Y. Minimal motif mapping of a known epitope on human zona pellucida protein-4 using a peptide biosynthesis strategy. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 81:9-16. [PMID: 19539378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
An important step in the development of a human zona pellucida (huZP) peptide vaccine is to define the minimal amino acid motif for a mapped B cell epitope peptide within huZP4. Identification of this minimal motif is necessary to remove an overlapping T cell epitope that induces a pathogenic T cell response. Here we describe motif (PLTLEL(314-319)) mapping of an 18mer B cell epitope peptide(308-325) on huZP4 protein (previously known as huZP1/ZPB protein), achieved using a set of 22 biosynthetic 8mer peptides fused with truncated glutathione S-transferase (GST) or truncated streptavidin protein, and detected using rabbit anti-porcine zona pellucida (pZP) IgG. The immunogenicity of the B cell epitope peptide was evaluated in rabbits using expressed B cell epitope peptide fused with truncated streptavidin as the antigen. This construct elicited high titer antibody to the 18mer B cell epitope peptide, with reactivity to native human ZP, the biosynthetic 18mer peptide and the 18mer peptide GST fusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Xiang Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China.
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7
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Li J, Jin H, Zhang A, Li Y, Wang B, Zhang F. Enhanced contraceptive response by co-immunization of DNA and protein vaccines encoding the mouse zona pellucida 3 with minimal oophoritis in mouse ovary. J Gene Med 2008; 9:1095-103. [PMID: 17957814 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) acts as the primary sperm receptor, induces autoantibody that can prevent oocyte fertilization and has been proposed as a vaccine candidate for contraception in humans. Due to the elicited autoreactive T cell inflammation that causes ovarian destruction, ZP3-based vaccine with removed T epitopes from the ZP3 is considered as a preferred approach. We present here a new strategy to eliminate the T cell inflammation while retaining a high level of antibody by co-immunization of mZP3 DNA and protein vaccines, which resulted in a higher reduction rate of fertility in this group. Histological analysis showed that there were normal follicular developments of infertile mice in the co-immunized group; while other vaccine groups of the most infertile mice lacked mature follicles. There was a significant correlation between normal follicular development and the inhibition of T cell response in co-immunized mice. At the same time, co-immunization reduced the production of inflammatory cytokine, IFN-gamma, and increased the productions of IL-10 and FoxP3 in CD4 T cells, suggesting the anti-inflammation may be via a T regulatory function. The results indicate that co-immunization of mZP3 DNA- and protein-based vaccines can reduce fertility without interfering with the normal follicular development and present a novel strategy to develop a contraceptive vaccine in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyao Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, P R China
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8
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Grignard E, Cadet R, Saez F, Drevet JR, Vernet P. Identification of sperm antigens as a first step towards the generation of a contraceptive vaccine to decrease fossorial water vole Arvicola terrestris Scherman proliferations. Theriogenology 2007; 68:779-95. [PMID: 17645936 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2006] [Revised: 05/23/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immunocontraceptive strategies have proved to be efficient in controlling fertility of various mammalian species. In the present study we have made the first steps towards the identification of Arvicola terrestris sperm antigens that could be used as targets in the development of a contraceptive vaccine to limit the proliferations of this pest rodent. Rabbit-raised polyclonal antisera directed against complete A. terrestris spermatozoa were used to identify and characterize on 2D-gels coupled with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis A. terrestris sperm proteins. Amongst the proteins pinpointed by this approach some were further investigated based on their tissue- and/or sperm-specific expression, and their relevance to fertility or sperm/egg interaction. In parallel, three proteins that have been already reported in the literature to be appropriate targets for the development of contraceptive vaccines in other mammalian species have also been looked for in A. terrestris. With the selected protein targets, a reverse-PCR approach using degenerate primers was employed to amplify corresponding A. terrestris cDNAs. After conceptual translation and sequence alignment, different proteins were studied to determine zones with sufficient sequence divergence and of antigenic/immunogenic nature that could be used in future assays to immunize animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Grignard
- Laboratoire Epididyme & Maturation des Gamètes, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR CNRS 6547-GEEM, 24 avenue des Landais, 63177, Aubière Cedex, France
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9
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MUSTOFA IMAM. Uji Reversibilitas Imunokontrasepsi Zona Pelusida-3 Kambing (gZP3) pada Mencit ( Mus musculus ). HAYATI JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1978-3019(16)30314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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10
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Abstract
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that each year between 8 and 10 million dogs and cats enter shelters and 4-5 million of these animals are euthanized due to lack of homes. Many veterinarians within the United States recommend surgical sterilization for population control in dogs and cats. However, there are non-surgical methods to control reproduction. Pharmacologic methods of contraception and sterilization can be safe, reliable and reversible. Hormonal treatments using progestins, androgens, or gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs act to either directly block reproductive hormone receptor-mediated events, or indirectly block conception via negative feedback mechanisms. Immunocontraception, via vaccination against GnRH, the luteinizing hormone receptor or zona pellucida proteins, is also possible. Intratesticular or intraepididymal injections provide a method for non-surgical sterilization of the male dog and cat. Additional methods have been employed for mechanical disruption of fertility including intravaginal and intrauterine devices and ultrasound testicular ablation. Alternative approaches to surgical sterilization will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kutzler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, 158 Magruder Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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11
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Xu L, Peng JP, Shi SQ. Evaluation of the Contraceptive Potential of brZPCp Vaccine in BALB/c Mice: Their Safety and Efficacy. DNA Cell Biol 2006; 25:87-94. [PMID: 16460232 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2006.25.87] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we have examined the potential ability of Microtus branditi partial ZPC (brZPCp) cDNA sequence (436-1150 nt) as a target for immunocontraception. Immunogenicity studies and fertility trials were performed in BALB/c mice using recombinant construction pCR3.1-brZPC(p). ELISA outcome indicated that antibodies could be generated by immunized mice, and IgG titer was increased compared to the control. Immunohistochemistry outcome indicated that antibodies could recognize native ZP in vivo, which in turn, prevented the binding of sperm to ovulated eggs. Antibodies could also recognize recombinant protein expressed by BL21 in vitro, which was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Fertility rate was reduced by 45% compared to the control immunized with pCR3.1. Meanwhile, there was no incidence of significant ovarian pathology in treated mice. This experiment indicates that this vaccine can elicit the specific antibody which binds exactly to the corresponding ZPC. This construction is proved to be immunogenic, and can reduce fertility without obvious oophoritis. The result in this study suggests a potentially important method for controlling population for its safety and easy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, People's Republic of China
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12
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Abstract
Classical immunization protocols have produced an antibody-based humoral response that is very effective against susceptible infectious diseases. Immunization introduces an external substance to induce the host immune system to respond specifically. Typically an antigen is used, but DNA, or a primed, pre-existing leukocyte or antigen-presenting cell, can also be used. Immunization is currently being used or investigated for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, addictions, allergies, pregnancy, and autoimmune diseases. It is also being used to produce biologically active materials such as polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, antivenins, and anti-toxins for treating a wide range of conditions. Animals have been integral to the development of immunization techniques, as producers of toxoids and antitoxins, as models (e.g., to validate materials and protocols used for immunization, to understand the impact of immunization itself on the immune system, and to help investigators devise methods for determining the efficacy of vaccines) and as beneficiaries themselves of vaccines and antitoxins. The choice of immunization protocols is complex, and results may be affected by many factors such as dose and concentration of antigen, choice of adjuvants, time between inoculation and response measurement, and method of detection. The immune system responses to an antigen are also complex and continue to develop with advancing age. Anatomical, physiological, and immune system differences between species influence responses to immunization, as do the purity and presentation of the antigens and adjuvants. When directly comparing results, animals should be sourced from the same supplier. This review highlights the many uses of immunization techniques and introduces important considerations for the choice of protocols and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Schunk
- Laboratories de Contrôle, Sanofi-Pasteur, Marcy L'Etoile, France
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13
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Sivapurapu N, Hasegawa A, Gahlay GK, Koyama K, Gupta SK. Efficacy of antibodies against a chimeric synthetic peptide encompassing epitopes of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) zona pellucida-1 and zona pellucida-3 glycoproteins to inhibit in vitro human sperm-egg binding. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 70:247-54. [PMID: 15625695 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Immunocontraception achieved by immunization with zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins is invariably associated with ovarian dysfunction. Use of ZP glycoprotein-based synthetic peptides as immunogens has been proposed to overcome adverse side effects on ovaries. In the present study, a chimeric peptide encompassing the epitopes of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) ZP glycoprotein-1 (bmZP1; amino acid residues 251-273) and ZP glycoprotein-3 (bmZP3; amino acid residues 324-347), separated by a tri-glycine spacer, was synthesized and conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (DT). Immunization of female BALB/cJ mice and bonnet monkeys with the chimeric peptide led to generation of antibodies that reacted with the chimeric peptide, individual bmZP1 & bmZP3 peptides, and also recombinant bmZP1 and bmZP3 proteins expressed by E. coli in an ELISA. Indirect immunofluorescence studies revealed that the immune serum also recognized human as well as bonnet monkey ZP. A significant inhibition of human sperm binding to ZP was observed with antibodies generated against the chimeric peptide in mice (P = 0.0001) as well as monkeys (P = 0.0002) in a hemizona assay (HZA). The inhibition efficacy was significantly higher than that observed by using antibodies against the individual bmZP1 and bmZP3 peptides. Interestingly, no ovarian pathology was observed in female bonnet monkeys immunized with the chimeric peptide. These studies have demonstrated that the chimeric peptide encompassing peptides of multiple ZP glycoproteins may be a promising candidate antigen for designing immunocontraceptive vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neela Sivapurapu
- Gamete Antigen Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067, India
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14
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Abstract
Recent studies from WHO indicated that a large proportion of human contraceptive needs cannot be covered by the already existing means for different reasons (medical, economical, political, and cultural). Therefore, development of new effective methods targeting birth control methods affordable by under-privileged populations turns out to be necessary. Over the last 20 years, a large number of strategies have been used for contraceptive vaccines and thus multiple antigens have been identified as potential targets for immunocontraception. Nowadays, the most acute researches are based on suppression of the secretion and the activity of gonadotropic hormones (GnRH, LH/hCG, FSH) or the targeting of antibodies specific to sperm surface (RSA-1, SP10, SP17, TCLe-1, PH-20) and oocyte antigens (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3). We developed a contraceptive vaccine against FSH receptor. Adult male monkeys (Macaca radiata) were immunized with filamentous phages displaying at their surface N-terminal peptides of the FSH receptor. Long term male contraception has been achieved without any alteration of circulating testosterone levels, sexual behaviour or of any other discernable metabolic changes. Interruption of vaccination resulted in full recovery of sperm production and male fertility. Contraceptive vaccines are aimed to block an essential step in the reproductive process. From this point of view, efforts have to be focused on the challenge to raise is to ally our knowledge on reproductive physiology and protein biochemistry for a better understanding of the target antigen's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Abdennebi-Najar
- Laboratoire de génomique, département des sciences animales, sciences de la nutrition et santé, ISAB, rue Pierre-Waguet, 60026 Beauvais, France.
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15
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Abstract
The control of human fertility would be revolutionised by the development of a safe, effective, long-acting contraceptive vaccine. The pursuit of this objective has involved the selection of appropriate targets within the reproductive process that are amenable to interference with antibodies. To date, three major targets have been researched. The zona pellucida (ZP) plays key roles in folliculogenesis, fertilisation and early development, and is comprised of powerful cell-specific antigens. The induction of infertility requires high ZP antibody titres that are difficult to maintain without inducing ovarian pathology characterised by a premature loss of primordial follicles. As a premature menopause would be a high price to pay for long-term contraception, this approach to a vaccine cannot progress until the cause of the ovarian pathology has been resolved. Sperm surface antigens represent another promising approach to contraceptive vaccine development. While there is some clinical data to support the likely efficacy of this strategy, none of the gamete-specific molecules characterised to date have fulfilled this promise. Anti-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) vaccines terminate pregnancy by preventing the maternal recognition of pregnancy. This vaccine has reached the stage of clinical trials, and preliminary indications are that the approach is safe and potentially effective. However, reliability may be an issue, given the observed inter-individual variability in antibody generation. The future of contraceptive vaccine development will clearly involve a continuation of the intense search for suitable targets and the development of improved immunisation procedures that exploit the latest innovations in vaccine technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A McLaughlin
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW2308, Australia
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16
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Sivapurapu N, Upadhyay A, Hasegawa A, Koyama K, Gupta SK. Efficacy of antibodies against Escherichia coli expressed chimeric recombinant protein encompassing multiple epitopes of zona pellucida glycoproteins to inhibit in vitro human sperm-egg binding. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 65:309-17. [PMID: 12784253 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To minimize ovarian dysfunction subsequent to immunization with zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins, synthetic peptides encompassing the antigenic B cell epitopes as immunogens have been proposed. In this study, attempts have been made to clone and express a recombinant chimeric protein encompassing the epitopes corresponding to bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) ZP glycoprotein-1 (bmZP1, amino acid residues 132-147), ZP glycoprotein-2 (bmZP2, amino acid residues 86-113), and ZP glycoprotein-3 (bmZP3, amino acid residues 324-347). The above chimeric recombinant protein (r-bmZP123) was expressed as a polyhistidine fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Immunoblot with murine monoclonal antibody, MA-813, generated against recombinant bmZP1 revealed a major band of approximately 10 kDa. The r-bmZP123 was purified on nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid resin under denaturing conditions. The female rabbits immunized with purified r-bmZP123 conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (DT) generated antibodies that reacted with r-bmZP123 and DT in an ELISA. In addition, the immune sera also reacted with E. coli expressed recombinant bmZP1, bmZP2, and bmZP3. In an indirect immunofluorescence assay, the antibodies against r-bmZP123 recognized native ZP of bonnet monkey as well as human. The immune sera also inhibited, in vitro, the binding of human spermatozoa to the human zona in the hemizona assay (HZA). These studies, for the first time, demonstrate the feasibility of assembling multiple epitopes of different ZP glycoproteins as a recombinant protein that elicit antibodies which are reactive with native zona and also inhibit, in vitro, human sperm-oocyte binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neela Sivapurapu
- Gamete Antigen Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
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17
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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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18
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Abstract
The development of safe, effective, reversible contraceptive vaccines for the regulation of human fertility would be a significant addition to our contraceptive armamentarium. However, because we are such an out-bred species, immunological responsiveness to any given vaccine is certain to exhibit a high level of inter-individual variation that will impact upon the efficacy, reversibility and feasibility of the approach. Nevertheless a role for vaccines undoubtedly exists as an aid to birth spacing, particularly in developing countries, and as a non-surgical means of inducing sterility in men. Currently vaccines are being researched that target one of two strategic points in the reproductive process, fertilization and the maternal recognition of pregnancy. Our ability to engineer vaccines that target fertilization is hampered by deficiencies in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate this process. However, anti-hCG vaccines have advanced to the stage of clinical trials and appear promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- R John Aitken
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, Center for Life Sciences, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
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19
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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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20
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Abstract
Multiple immunotherapy approaches are under development to treat various chronic diseases or conditions. Thanks to dramatic technological improvements, the field of vaccinology can now extend from prophylaxis to therapy, and from infectious diseases to dysimmune disorders like cancer or autoimmunity, or even to non-immune related conditions, including neurological or cardiovascular disorders. Life-style vaccines defined as vaccines to manage chronic conditions in healthy individuals can, therefore, also be envisaged. Three examples will be reviewed and discussed here, from both technical and ethical aspects: contraceptive vaccines, vaccines to treat addictions, and anti-dental caries vaccines.
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21
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Barber MR, Lee SM, Steffens WL, Ard M, Fayrer-Hosken RA. Immunolocalization of zona pellucida antigens in the ovarian follicle of dogs, cats, horses and elephants. Theriogenology 2001; 55:1705-17. [PMID: 11393221 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A comparative evaluation of the location of immunoreactive porcine zona pellucida (pZP) glycoproteins was performed with polyclonal rabbit anti-pZP antibodies on ovarian sections of the dog, cat, horse, and elephant. For this, formalin (light microscopy) and glutaraldehyde (transmission electron microscopy [TEM]) fixed ovarian sections were incubated with antibodies raised against highly purified pZP. Staining patterns were determined with diaminobenzidine (DAB) at the light level. The dog ZP had a distinct staining distribution that is characterized by intense staining around the periphery of the ZP and the oolemma and less dense staining throughout the width of the ZP. In dog follicles that contained multiple oocytes, there were oocytes of identical and dissimilar stages. Cat ovarian sections showed uniform staining of the ZP. Horse results showed uniform staining of ZP and ooplasm, and granulosa cells (GC). Elephant sections showed staining of the ZP with dense staining at the oolemma, as well as staining of the ooplasm. In all species the staining of the ZP was not evident until GC differentiation. In all cases there was no staining of ovarian tissue with control normal rabbit serum. Specific staining patterns of ZP were evaluated by TEM and immunogold staining. The immunogold-linked anti-pZP antibodies stained the ZP matrix in all species. There was staining of ooplasm organelles suggesting that ZP secretion originates from the oocyte of the dog and cat. In addition, follicular and ZP measurements were taken that allowed accurate characterization of follicle stage. These findings suggest that in all four species the ZP is recognized by anti-pZP antibodies and there is also evidence to suggest the possible origins of ZP glycoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Barber
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
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22
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Abstract
Ecological and conservation programs in ecosystems around the world have experienced varied success in population management. One of the greatest problems is that human expansion has led to the shrinking of wildlife habitat and, as a result, the overpopulation of many different species has occurred. The pressures exerted by the increased number of animals has caused environmental damage. The humane and practical control of these populations has solicited the scientific community to arrive at a safe, effective, and cost-efficient means of population control. Immunocontraception using zona pellucida antigens, specifically porcine zona pellucida (pZP), has become one of the most promising population control tools in the world today, with notable successes in horses and elephants. A conundrum has risen where pZP, a single vaccine, successfully induces an immunocontraceptive effect in multiple species of mammals. This review describes the most current data pertaining to the mammalian zona pellucida and immunocontraception, and from these studies, we suggest several potential mechanisms of immunocontraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Barber
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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23
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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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24
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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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25
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Paterson M, Wilson MR, Morris KD, van Duin M, Aitken RJ. Evaluation of the contraceptive potential of recombinant human ZP3 and human ZP3 peptides in a primate model: their safety and efficacy. Am J Reprod Immunol 1998; 40:198-209. [PMID: 9764365 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1998.tb00413.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The unique recognition events that result in the avid binding of mammalian spermatozoa to the surface of the zona pellucida (ZP) are being exploited in the development of contraceptive vaccines. In this study, the safety and efficacy of a vaccination strategy based on the induction of active immunity against purified, glycosylated, recombinant human ZP3 (rhZP3) has been evaluated in a primate model, Callithrix jacchus. METHOD OF STUDY Long-term infertility was established after immunization with rhZP3 and the resulting immune sera reacted with rhZP3 on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunolocalized exclusively to the outer surface of native ZP on marmoset ovarian sections. However, this contraceptive effect was inevitably associated with the eventual appearance of an ovarian pathology characterized by a depletion of primordial follicles. In an attempt to circumvent this side effect, human ZP3 (hZP3) was epitope mapped and four continuous, immunodominant B-cell epitopes (hZP3(45-64), hZP3(93-110), hZP3(172-190) and hZP3(341-360) were evaluated for contraceptive efficacy in vivo. Using peptide-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugates to enhance immunogenicity, antipeptide antibodies were raised against these immunogens, which also cross-reacted with rhZP3 on ELISA. In addition, antibodies against hZP3(45-64) and hZP3(172-190) recognized native ZP on marmoset ovarian sections when a microwave technique was used to enhance epitope presentation. RESULTS No ovarian pathology was observed after the long-term administration of these peptide immunogens, and fertility was suppressed when compared with TT controls but could not be correlated to the antibody titer. CONCLUSION Clearly, further research is required to identify optimal B-cell epitopes that will reliably induce infertility, free from any ovarian pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paterson
- MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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26
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Schmidt A, Mavrogianis PA, O'Day-Bowman MB, Jaffe RC, Verhage HG. Characterization of antibodies generated against a conserved portion of oviductal glycoprotein (OGP) and endogenous hamster OGP and their ability to decrease sperm binding to the zona pellucida in vitro. Am J Reprod Immunol 1997; 38:377-83. [PMID: 9412720 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1997.tb00316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The effect of antibodies generated against hamster oviductal glycoprotein (OGP) on sperm binding to the zona pellucida (ZP) was evaluated. METHOD OF STUDY Antibodies against a 17-amino-acid sequence of the OGP core protein (amino acids 52-68) and the denatured hamster OGP protein were generated, characterized, and tested in an in vitro sperm binding assay. RESULTS Sperm binding was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when oviductal oocytes were incubated for 2 hr with 4 or 8 mg/ml of immune IgG of both antibodies when compared with normal rabbit IgG. A fluorescence assay showed binding of both antibodies to the endogenous OGP associated with the ZP of ovulated hamster oocytes. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that OGP may be a potential immunocontraceptive target because both antibodies significantly decreased sperm binding to the ZP of oviductal oocytes. Immunocontraception may be accomplished by attempting to generate active immunity to a recombinant OGP, to the region selected in this study (amino acids 52-68) or to some other region of the core protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612, USA
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