Cell-mediated immune responses to sperm antigens: effects on mouse sperm and embryos

Sperm antigens were assessed for their ability to induce cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. Purified fertilization antigen (FA-1), protamine, and the lithium diiodosalicylate (LIS)-solubilized sperm preparation activated presensitized lymphocytes to secrete soluble mediators that activated macrophages and significantly inhibited sperm motility and embryonic development. The FA-1, however, was the most potent antigen in inducing proliferative response as well as the release of soluble mediators. LIS-sperm preparation, which contained numerous antigens, showed the least activity. The unsensitized control spleen cells did not secrete any factor(s) when activated with the antigen. In conclusion, these results indicate that sperm antigens can specifically induce (CMI) factors that have detrimental effects on sperm motility and preimplantation embryos. These findings may have potential clinical implications for humans, especially in immunologic and unexplained infertility, recurrent abortions, and development of antisperm contraceptive vaccines.