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Immunity to tumor-associated antigens in vasectomized men
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|September 1, 1982
Summary
Vasectomized men showed increased immune reactivity to sperm and tumor antigens. This suggests shared antigens between sperm and cancer cells may trigger immune responses in vasectomized individuals and cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Vasectomy induces an immune response to sperm antigens.
- Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are crucial targets in cancer immunology.
- Cross-reactivity between sperm and tumor antigens is a potential area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immune reactivity to sperm and tumor antigens in vasectomized men.
- To explore potential cross-reactivity between sperm and tumor antigens.
- To identify serum factors involved in immune responses to tumor antigens.
Main Methods:
- Leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay was used to test immune cell reactivity.
- Reactions were tested against sperm antigens and various human tumor extracts.
- Sperm-immobilization assay was used to measure antisperm antibody titers.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher percentage of vasectomized men showed reactivity to sperm antigens compared to controls.
- Vasectomized men exhibited increased reactivity to melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and breast carcinoma extracts.
- Immune reactivity to tumor antigens correlated with reactivity to sperm antigens and antisperm antibody titers.
Conclusions:
- Vasectomized men with sperm immunity demonstrate responsiveness to tumor-associated antigens.
- Antisperm antibodies and other serum factors likely play a role in this cross-reactivity.
- Shared antigenic determinants on sperm and tumor cells may explain immune responses in both vasectomized men and cancer patients.