Antigenic cross-reactivity between human and marmoset zonase pellucidae, a potential target for immunocontraception

Cross-reactivity between marmoset, chimpanzee, human and pig zona pellucida antigens was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and zona precipitation. In marmosets, anti-zona antibody prevented sperm attachment to eggs in vitro, and the antibody could be detected on zonae of ovarian oocytes following passive immunization. Use of the marmoset as an animal model in testing feasibility of the zona approach to immunocontraception is discussed.