Feng Xue1,2,3, Li Wang1,2, Yue Liu1,2, Haiping Tang4, Wanxiang Xu4, Chen Xu1,2. 1. Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. 2. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China. 3. Department of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. 4. National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptives Drugstore & Devices, Department of Reproductive Biology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China.
Abstract
PROBLEM: The development of a new and suitable contraceptive methods, as well as in-depth and systematic research into underlying contraceptive mechanisms, is crucial. IZUMO1 plays an important role in the fusion of the sperm and ovum during fertilization. Izumo(-/-) mice are infertile. Therefore, IZUMO1 may be a potential target for the development of a contraceptive vaccine. METHOD OF STUDY: Linear B-cell epitopes (BCE) were identified in IZUMO using biosynthetic peptides and used to immunize female mice. RESULTS: Five IZUMO BCE were identified: DLVLDCL177-183, YSFYRV196-201 (named BCE-2), YLT217-219, SMVGPED221-227, and DAGNY228-232. Active immunization with the BCE-2 vaccine sharply decreased the fertility rate in female mice in a safe and reversible manner. In vitro fertilization showed that the BCE-2 vaccine interferes with and blocks the fusion of the sperm and the ovum. CONCLUSIONS: B-cell epitopes-2 may be a new candidate for the development of contraceptive vaccine due to its effectiveness, safety, and reversibility.
PROBLEM: The development of a new and suitable contraceptive methods, as well as in-depth and systematic research into underlying contraceptive mechanisms, is crucial. IZUMO1 plays an important role in the fusion of the sperm and ovum during fertilization. Izumo(-/-) mice are infertile. Therefore, IZUMO1 may be a potential target for the development of a contraceptive vaccine. METHOD OF STUDY: Linear B-cell epitopes (BCE) were identified in IZUMO using biosynthetic peptides and used to immunize female mice. RESULTS: Five IZUMO BCE were identified: DLVLDCL177-183, YSFYRV196-201 (named BCE-2), YLT217-219, SMVGPED221-227, and DAGNY228-232. Active immunization with the BCE-2 vaccine sharply decreased the fertility rate in female mice in a safe and reversible manner. In vitro fertilization showed that the BCE-2 vaccine interferes with and blocks the fusion of the sperm and the ovum. CONCLUSIONS: B-cell epitopes-2 may be a new candidate for the development of contraceptive vaccine due to its effectiveness, safety, and reversibility.
Authors: Miranda Hernández-Falcó; Paula Sáez-Espinosa; Andrea López-Botella; Jon Aizpurua; María José Gómez-Torres Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2022-04-01 Impact factor: 5.923