Modulation of the immune response to teratocarcinoma in mice sensitized by sperm antigens.
Mouse primitive teratocarcinoma cells share a common surface antigen with morulae, preimplantation embryo cells and murine and human spermatozoa. 129/Sv mice were immunized with either spermatozoa and subsequently inoculated with various doses of teratocarcinoma 6050. A significant inhibition or acceleration of tumor growth was observed when compared with controls immunized with compatible fibroblasts. These effects were sex-dependent, both the incidence and tumor growth being suppressed in sperm-immunized males. The opposite effects were observed in sperm-presensitized females. Immune sera obtained from both male and female 129/Sv mice exhibited a high binding activity to human spermatozoa when tested in a cellular radioimmunoassay. Thus, immunization with sperm antigens provides immunotherapeutic and/or enhancing effects in male and female 129/Sv mice, respectively.
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000941:Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013045:Species Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*; D013724:Teratoma / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000941:Antigens; D001323:Autoantibodies