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Human testis cDNAs identified by sera from infertile patients: a molecular biological approach to immunocontraceptive
Z G Liang1, P A O'Hern, B Yavetz
1Center for Recombinant Gamete Contraceptive Vaccinogens, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208.
Insights
Researchers screened patient sera against a human testis cDNA library, identifying testis-specific genes. These findings suggest potential causes for immunological infertility and offer candidates for contraceptive vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immunological infertility affects a subset of individuals with unexplained infertility.
- Autoantibodies against testicular components may play a role in male infertility.
- Screening of human cDNA libraries with patient sera is a method to identify autoantigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify testicular autoantigens recognized by sera from infertile patients.
- To investigate the potential role of these autoantigens in the etiology of immunological infertility.
- To explore the utility of identified testis-specific antigens as targets for contraceptive vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Screening of a human testis cDNA library using sera from patients with immunological infertility.
- Characterization of positive cDNA inserts using Northern blot analysis.
- Identification of testis-specific and testis-abundant clones.
Main Results:
- Fifty-nine sera identified 38 unique cDNA inserts.
- Four cDNA inserts were confirmed as testis-specific by Northern blot.
- One testis-specific clone identified was a calpastatin isoform; five additional clones were testis-abundant.
Conclusions:
- The identified testicular antigens may contribute to the pathogenesis of immunological infertility.
- Testis-specific clones represent potential targets for future contraceptive vaccine development.
- Further characterization of these clones is warranted to assess their contraceptive potential.
Abstract:
Sera from patients with known or suspected immunological infertility were used to screen a human testis cDNA library. A total of 59 sera detected 38 unique cDNA inserts of which four were testis specific by Northern blot analyses. One of these is a testis-specific isoform of calpastatin. Five additional clones, although not testis specific, were found to be testis abundant. The number and type of clones identified by these human sera suggests a possible aetiology for immunologic infertility. The testis-specific clones will be further characterized to establish their usefulness as contraceptive vaccine candidates.
