Related Experiment Videos
Testis-specific proteins and their role in contraceptive vaccine development
1Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Richard D. Ruppert Health Center, 3120 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614-5809, USA. rnaz@gemini.mco.edu
Abstract:
Development of a vaccine(s) based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach for contraception. The utility of an antigen in immunocontraception is contingent upon its testis/sperm specificity and involvement in spermatogenesis and/or fertilization. The aim of the present article is to review the information regarding the proteins that have been reported to be testis/sperm-specific and may have an important function in spermatogenesis and/or fertilization. The potential role of these proteins in the development an antisperm contraceptive vaccine(s) is discussed.