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Collection of Post-mating Semen from the Female Reproductive Tract and Measurement of Semen Liquefaction in Mice
Published on: November 18, 2017
Seminal plasma reduces the effectiveness of topical polyanionic microbicides
Sarju Patel1, Ehsan Hazrati, Natalia Cheshenko
1Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 9, 2007
Summary
Seminal plasma significantly reduces microbicide effectiveness against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Proteins in seminal plasma interfere with microbicides, decreasing protection in a mouse model and necessitating formulation adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microbicides are crucial for preventing sexually transmitted infections, including herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
- Seminal plasma is a complex biological fluid that may impact the efficacy of topical microbicides.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for developing effective HIV and HSV prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the activity of microbicides against HSV-2 when the virus is introduced in seminal plasma.
- To identify components within seminal plasma responsible for interfering with microbicide function.
- To assess the in vivo implications of seminal plasma interference on microbicide protection.
Main Methods:
- Testing the efficacy of PRO 2000 and cellulose sulfate against HSV-2 in the presence and absence of seminal plasma.
- Utilizing tandem mass spectrometry to identify proteins in seminal plasma that interfere with microbicide activity.
- Employing a murine model to assess the protective effect of a microbicide gel when HSV-2 is administered via seminal plasma versus PBS.
Main Results:
- Seminal plasma increased the concentration of PRO 2000 and cellulose sulfate required to inhibit HSV-2 by 100-fold.
- Seminal plasma proteins, specifically fibronectin-1 and lactoferrin, were identified as mediators of this interference.
- In vivo, a 2% PRO 2000 gel protected 100% of mice against HSV-2 in PBS but only 55% when virus was in seminal plasma.
Conclusions:
- Seminal plasma significantly impairs the antiviral activity of tested microbicides against HSV-2.
- Fibronectin-1 and lactoferrin are key inhibitory factors in seminal plasma.
- Microbicide formulations may require modification to maintain efficacy in the presence of seminal plasma for effective human use.
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