[Advances in the study of epididymal protease inhibitor].
The epididymal protease inhibitor (Eppin) has recently been cloned in human and mice, which is specifically expressed in the epididymis and testis. Eppin is a cystine-rich secretory protein which contains signal peptide, WAP and BPTI motifs. Eppin is involved in sperm maturation and fertilization, and in the innate immune system of human epididymis. Immunocontraception with Eppin is effective and reliable, but its safety is to be further proved. This paper summarizes the effects of Eppin of fertilization and immunity, as well as its utilization in immunocontraception.
Guo
Xiao-Qiang
XQ
Department of Biochemistry, Bethune Military Medical College, PLA, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050081, China. xiaoqiangguo123@163.com
Wang
Ren-Jie
RJ
D000818:Animals; D003269:Contraception, Immunologic; D004822:Epididymis / Q000276:immunology; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D000882:Haplorhini; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D053491:Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory; D011506:Proteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology
D053491:Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory; D011506:Proteins; C477828:eppin protein, mouse