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Open Access 01-12-2004 | Review

Sperm specific proteins-potential candidate molecules for fertility control

Author: Anil Suri

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2004

Abstract

The increase in population growth rate warrants the development of additional contraceptive methods that are widely acceptable, free from side effects and less expensive. Immunocontraception, and in particular the targeting of antibodies to gamete-specific antigens implicated in sperm egg binding and fertilization, offers an attractive approach to control fertility. The development of a contraceptive vaccine based on sperm antigen represents a promising approach to contraception. In mammals, fertilization is completed by the direct interaction of sperm and egg, a process mediated primarily by sperm surface proteins. Sperm have proteins that are unique, cell specific, immunogenic and accessible to antibodies. A few of the sperm specific proteins have been isolated and characterized. The antibodies raised against the sperm specific antigens have proved to be extremely effective at reducing sperm-egg interaction in vitro; fertility trials in sub-human primates would eventually prove the effectiveness of the sperm antigens in terms of contraceptive efficacy.

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Title: Sperm specific proteins-potential candidate molecules for fertility control
Author: Anil Suri
Publication date: 01-12-2004
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2004
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-2-10

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sperm specific proteins-potential candidate molecules for fertility control

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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