At the crossroad of conception and infection: initiatives for immunoglobulin-based contraceptive R & D.
Better understanding of the immunological mechanisms implying the insemination and the infertility of some men and women is needed and crucial to the development of an effective immunocontraceptive method. To provide good protection against conception or infection, and avoid any possible and unexpected complications which immunocontraceptive "vaccine" may arise of, it seems the right time for scientists to create a virtually new thinking for this extremely urgent and important issue. This conceptual article describes our original thoughts of the future development of immunocontraceptives, preferably, based on immunoglobulins rather than vaccines, against human sperm specific antigens and seminal plasma immunosuppressive factors. Its general correctness, advantages and feasibility for fertility regulation and prevention of infection are discussed.
Lü
N Q
NQ
Jiangsu Family Planning Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China. nq-lu@public1.ptt.js.cn
Wang
Y F
YF
Huang
Y F
YF
Wang
X H
XH
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D012106:Research; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D007136:Immunoglobulins