Immunogenicity study of recombinant human sperm-associated antigen 9 in bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata)

Author: Rana Ritu   Jagadish Nirmala   Garg Manoj   Mishra Deepshikha   Dahiya Neetu   Chaurasiya Dipak   Suri Anil  

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISSN: 1460-2350

Source: Human Reproduction, Vol.21, Iss.11, 2006-11, pp. : 2894-2900

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The human sperm-associated antigen 9 (hSPAG9) is of special interest attributing to the findings indicating that SPAG9 is an acrosomal molecule. SPAG9 is not only restricted to acrosomal compartment but also persists in equatorial segment post-acrosome reaction, which is a key location in sperm-egg interaction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunogenicity studies in macaques were carried out with recombinant hSPAG9 (rhSPAG9) adsorbed on alum, which resulted in high titres of anti-rhSPAG9 antibodies as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoblotting analysis employing anti-rhSPAG9 antibodies generated in monkeys indicated that antibodies specifically reacted with native SPAG9 from macaque and human sperm and rhSPAG9 protein. Furthermore, indirect immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated SPAG9 localization in the acrosomal compartment of macaque and human sperm. In addition, monkey antibodies against rhSPAG9 significantly inhibited the human spermatozoa adherence or penetration in zona-free hamster oocytes. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that rhSPAG9 adsorbed on alum is highly immunogenic in subhuman primate model and therefore represents a suitable sperm-based vaccine immunogen for fertility trials in macaque.

Related content