title: Genetic control of humoral immunity to sperm acrosomal and cell surface antigens.
abstract: We have defined the nature of genetic control of humoral immunity to sperm cell surface (TSDA) and acrosome (Ac) antigens. A sperm immunization dose that distinguishes between high-responder (BALB/c) and low-responder (B10) strains of mice was identified. B10 mice were unresponsive, whereas BALB/c and F1 hybrid mice responded to sperm of both parental strains. The ratio of nonresponder to responder mice in the B10 X F1 backcross and F1 X F1 inbred generations indicates anti-TSDA or anti-Ac antibody responsiveness is controlled through more than a single gene. The significant correlation found between the anti-TSDA and anti-Ac responses is consistent with the possibility that one or more genes controls antibody responsiveness against determinants common to both the Ac and sperm cell surface. Neither anti-TSDA nor anti-Ac antibody responses were linked to the I-A subregion of the responder H-2d MHC haplotype. In addition to a genetic difference in the control of humoral immunity to sperm, a difference in sperm immunogenicity among strains was observed. Antigens of the Ac of B10 sperm are more immunogenic than those of BALB/c sperm, and this trait is linked to the B10 Y chromosome.
mesh_terms: D000177:Acrosome / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000235:genetics*; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D013045:Species Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens