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Complement regulatory proteins on the sperm surface: relevance to sperm motility
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Summary
Complement regulatory proteins are present on human sperm and antibodies against them can impair sperm motility. This may explain infertility in some individuals due to poor sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) protect host cells from complement-mediated damage.
- The presence and function of CRPs on human spermatozoa are not fully understood.
- CRPs like C1-INH, DAF (CD55), MCP (CD46), and HRF (CD59) are crucial in regulating complement activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of specific CRPs on human sperm.
- To determine if antibodies targeting these CRPs affect sperm motility.
- To explore potential implications for male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Human sperm membrane proteins were analyzed using Western blot.
- Antibodies against C1-INH, CD55, CD46, and CD59 were used for detection.
- Sperm motility was assessed after incubation with specific antibodies using computerized analysis.
Main Results:
- Western blot confirmed the presence of C1-INH, CD55, CD46, and CD59 on human sperm.
- Antibodies to these CRPs significantly reduced sperm motility and motion parameters.
- Complement addition amplified the negative effect of anti-CD46 antibodies on sperm motility.
Conclusions:
- Human spermatozoa express complement regulatory proteins C1-INH, CD55, CD46, and CD59 on their surface.
- These sperm-associated CRPs may play roles in sperm function beyond complement regulation.
- The presence of antibodies against these CRPs could be a factor in infertility, leading to reduced sperm motility and survival.