Testis-specific proteins and their role in contraceptive vaccine development.
Development of a vaccine(s) based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach for contraception. The utility of an antigen in immunocontraception is contingent upon its testis/sperm specificity and involvement in spermatogenesis and/or fertilization. The aim of the present article is to review the information regarding the proteins that have been reported to be testis/sperm-specific and may have an important function in spermatogenesis and/or fertilization. The potential role of these proteins in the development an antisperm contraceptive vaccine(s) is discussed.
Naz
R K
RK
Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Richard D. Ruppert Health Center, 3120 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614-5809, USA. rnaz@gemini.mco.edu
Vanek
C M
CM
D003269:Contraception, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D022642:Vaccines, Contraceptive
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D022642:Vaccines, Contraceptive