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Human sperm coating antigen from seminal plasma origin
1Unitat d'Immunologia, Institut de Biologia Fonamental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Summary
A novel monoclonal antibody (SEM-12) targets human sperm glycoproteins, inhibiting motility and acrosome reaction. This antibody identifies an 80-84 kDa antigen present on sperm surfaces and in seminal plasma across species.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sperm surface glycoproteins play a crucial role in sperm-zona pellucida recognition during fertilization.
- Seminal plasma proteins can influence sperm function, with their expression potentially altering during capacitation and acrosome reaction.
- Sperm-specific monoclonal antibodies are vital tools for identifying and characterizing sperm membrane-associated proteins and their functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel monoclonal antibody (SEM-12) specific for human sperm.
- To investigate the distribution and function of the antigen recognized by SEM-12.
- To determine the role of this antigen in sperm function, including motility and acrosome reaction.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence was used to determine the antigen distribution on human sperm.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect the antigen in seminal plasma.
- Affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation were utilized to isolate and identify the proteins recognized by SEM-12.
- The effect of SEM-12 on sperm motility and acrosome reaction was assessed.
Main Results:
- The SEM-12 antibody demonstrated a discontinuous distribution of its target antigen on the head and tail surfaces of non-capacitated human sperm.
- The antigen was detected in human seminal plasma and in the sperm of other species (goat, ram, mouse).
- Two proteins, ranging from 80-84 kDa, were isolated using SEM-12 via affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation.
- SEM-12 significantly inhibited both spontaneous and ionophore-induced sperm motility and acrosome reaction.
Conclusions:
- The SEM-12 antibody recognizes a specific 80-84 kDa sperm-associated antigen with potential involvement in sperm-zona pellucida interactions.
- This antigen, present in seminal plasma and on sperm across species, plays a critical role in regulating sperm motility and the acrosome reaction.
- SEM-12 serves as a valuable tool for studying sperm function and may have implications for understanding male fertility and developing novel contraceptive strategies.