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How far from a hormone-based contraceptive vaccine?
1Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, 46 Cleveland St., London W1T 4JF, UK. p.delves@ucl.ac.uk
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|August 4, 2004
Summary
Immunocontraception uses targeted antibodies to block reproductive hormones, preventing pregnancy. Immunocastration prevents sexual maturation in young males by targeting specific hormones.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hormones are essential for reproduction and sexual maturation.
- Antibodies can neutralize hormone activity.
- Hormone-targeted vaccines offer potential for fertility control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of immunisation against reproductive hormones for fertility control.
- To investigate immunocastration as a method to prevent sexual maturation in males.
Main Methods:
- Immunisation of individuals with specific reproductive hormones.
- Measuring titres of bioneutralizing antibodies.
- Assessing the effects on fertility and sexual maturation.
Main Results:
- Vaccination with hormones can induce bioneutralizing antibodies.
- These antibodies can render individuals infertile (immunocontraception).
- Targeting hormones like GnRH in young males can prevent sexual maturation (immunocastration).
Conclusions:
- Immunocontraception and immunocastration are viable strategies using hormone-specific antibodies.
- The duration of effect depends on sustained antibody titres.
- Target hormones include GnRH, FSH, and hCG.