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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

Published on: November 28, 2018

Targeted and restricted complement activation on acrosome-reacted spermatozoa.

Rebecca C Riley-Vargas¹, Susan Lanzendorf, John P Atkinson

¹Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation

|April 26, 2005

Summary

Acrosome-reacted sperm activate complement via C3, not beyond, with C-reactive protein initiating the cascade. Factor H, not MCP, cleaves C3b on the inner acrosomal membrane, aiding sperm-egg fusion.

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Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes

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Published on: November 28, 2018

Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

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Published on: March 1, 2019

Real-Time Imaging of Acrosomal Calcium Dynamics and Exocytosis in Live Mouse Sperm

Real-Time Imaging of Acrosomal Calcium Dynamics and Exocytosis in Live Mouse Sperm

Published on: October 13, 2023

Area of Science:

Immunology
Reproductive Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) is a complement regulator expressed on sperm's inner acrosomal membrane (IAM).
The IAM is exposed after the acrosome reaction, crucial for fertilization.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the regulatory function of MCP on spermatozoa in situ.
To understand complement activation on acrosome-reacted human spermatozoa.

Main Methods:

Flow cytometry (FACS) was used to assess sperm viability, acrosomal status, and complement deposition.
Human spermatozoa were exposed to autologous serum or follicular fluid.

Main Results:

Acrosome-reacted spermatozoa activated complement through C3, but not further.
Complement activation was initiated by C-reactive protein (CRP) and depended on C1q, C2, and factor B.
C3b deposited on the IAM and was cleaved to C3bi by Factor H, not MCP.

Conclusions:

Localized complement activation on sperm may facilitate sperm-egg fusion, similar to immune adherence.
Targeted complement activation on host cells could be a mechanism for handling modified self.