Phage display allows identification of zona pellucida-binding peptides with species-specific properties: novel approach for development of contraceptive vaccines for wildlife.
Multiple phage-peptide constructs, where the peptides mimic sperm epitopes that bind to zona pellucida (ZP) proteins, were generated via selection from a phage display library using a novel approach. Selections were designed to allow for identification of ZP-binding phage clones with potential species-specific properties, an important feature for wildlife oral vaccines as the goal is to control overpopulation of a target species while not affecting non-target species' reproduction. Six phage-peptide antigens were injected intramuscularly into pigs and corresponding immune responses evaluated. Administration of the antigens into pigs stimulated production of anti-peptide antibodies, which were shown to act as anti-sperm antibodies. Potentially, such anti-sperm antibodies could interfere with sperm delivery or function in the male or female genital tract, leading to contraceptive effects. Staining of semen samples collected from different mammalian species, including pig, cat, dog, bull, and mouse, with anti-sera from pigs immunized with ZP-binding phage allowed identification of phage-peptide constructs with different levels of species specificity. Based on the intensity of the immune responses and specificity of these responses in different species, two of the antigens with fusion peptide sequences GEGGYGSHD and GQQGLNGDS were recognized as the most promising candidates for development of contraceptive vaccines for wild pigs.
Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. samoiti@auburn.edu
Tatiana I
TI
Samoylova
Anna M
AM
Cochran
Alexandre M
AM
Samoylov
Bettina
B
Schemera
Adam H
AH
Breiteneicher
Stephen S
SS
Ditchkoff
Valery A
VA
Petrenko
Nancy R
NR
Cox
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D002415:Cats; D002417:Cattle; D061505:Cell Surface Display Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013552:Swine; D022642:Vaccines, Contraceptive / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015044:Zona Pellucida / Q000378:metabolism*
D000906:Antibodies; D000941:Antigens; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D009842:Oligopeptides; D022642:Vaccines, Contraceptive