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Mukherjee AG, Gopalakrishnan AV. Anti-sperm Antibodies as an Increasing Threat to Male Fertility: Immunological Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:3303-3322. [PMID: 38831152 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01610-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
It is a fact that sperm possess antigenic properties. Substantial scientific research suggests that specific antibodies that attach to sperm antigens can induce infertility in both humans and other species. Antisperm antibodies (ASA) represent a significant etiology of infertility in humans, leading to immunoinfertility. The association between ASA and infertility is multifaceted. The observation of sperm agglutination, although not conclusive for the diagnosis of immunological infertility, may suggest the presence of ASA. Nevertheless, ASA may also manifest in the lack of any sperm agglutination. Managing ASA from an andrological perspective depends on the underlying cause and the specific approaches healthcare professionals adopt. The precise etiology of male infertility resulting from ASA remains unclear. Current research has examined the impact of ASA and its prevalence among infertile males to understand the relationship between ASA and changes in semen parameters. However, the findings have been inconclusive. Numerous techniques have been documented for the management of immunoinfertility. This review examines the importance of ASA in the context of infertility, encompassing the postulated mechanisms underlying the development of ASA, the various assays employed for detecting them, and the available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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Chen Y, Hasegawa A, Wakimoto Y, Shibahara H. Update on the research on the antigens of anti-sperm antibodies over the last decade. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104292. [PMID: 38964133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes the advancements over a decade of research on antigens of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs), which are key to male immune infertility. Despite the progress in assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the roles and mechanisms of ASAs and their antigens remains vital for immune infertility management. We conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed from January 2013 to December 2023 using the following keywords: "anti-sperm antibody," "sperm antigen," and "immune infertility." In this review, we focus on the discoveries in sperm antigen identification and characterization through proteomics, gene disruption technology, and immunoinformatics, along with the development of fertility biomarkers. Here, we discuss the clinical applications of improved ASA detection methods and the progress in the development of immunocontraceptive vaccines. The intersection of advanced diagnostic techniques and vaccine development represents a promising frontier in reproductive health. The findings also highlight the need for standardized ASA detection methods and a comprehensive molecular-level approach to understanding ASA-related infertility. These insights underscore the significance of ongoing reproductive immunology research in enhancing clinical fertility outcomes and contraceptive vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuekun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Akiko Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Yu Wakimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
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Leathersich S, Hart RJ. Immune infertility in men. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1121-1131. [PMID: 35367058 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Male factors are implicated as the cause of roughly half of cases of infertility, and the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) may be responsible for some of these. Their presence is associated with a reduction in natural conception and live birth and impacts the success of assisted reproductive technologies. Interpretation of the data regarding ASAs and fertility is complicated by a lack of standardization in testing methodology and test thresholds and a lack of data on their prevalence in the healthy fertile population. Although their pathogenesis remains elusive, and many cases are idiopathic, a disruption in the immunologic blood-testis barrier (BTB) appears to contribute to the formation of ASA. As delineation of the specific antigen targets of ASA advances, it has been recognized that they may affect almost all aspects of sperm function, and ASA against different targets likely have specific mechanisms of impairing fertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) appears to be the most reliable method by which to overcome fertility impairment due to ASA, achieving similar outcomes to ASA-negative patients with regard to fertilization rates, embryonic development, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates. The lack of consistency in testing for and reporting ASA remains a substantial barrier to achieving clarity in describing their role in infertility and the optimal management approach, and future research should use a unified approach to the detection and description of ASA. Determination of the specific antigens targeted by ASA, and their function and clinical relevance, would contribute to improving the understanding of ASA-mediated impacts on fertility and tailoring treatment appropriately to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Leathersich
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Claremont, Australia
| | - Roger J Hart
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Claremont, Australia; Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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Nowicka-Bauer K, Malcher A, Włoczkowska O, Kamieniczna M, Olszewska M, Kurpisz MK. Evaluation of seminal plasma HSPA2 protein as a biomarker of human spermatogenesis status. Reprod Biol 2021; 22:100597. [PMID: 34959194 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, testicular Heat shock-related 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) is a chaperon strictly linked to spermatogenesis status, whereas its presence in spermatozoa ensures successful oocyte fertilization. However, there is little information on this protein in seminal plasma in infertile males. Based on our previous two independent studies, we have selected HSPA2 to evaluate this seminal plasma protein is a potential biomarker of correct spermatogenesis. Using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry (MS) we have screened human seminal plasma samples for the presence of HSPA2. Samples were obtained from individuals with normozoospermia, cryptozoospermia, non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. Our results showed a lack of HSPA2 in seminal plasma in all azoospermic males however, in cryptozoospermia the results were extremely diversified. Additionally, the application of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) indicated the presence of additional protein isoforms suggesting possible mechanisms underlying the male infertility. Our findings suggest seminal plasma HSPA2 protein as a possible biomarker not only of spermatogenesis status, especially in cryptozoospermic males, but also as a biomarker predicting the success of reproductive treatment including assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Olga Włoczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Chereshnev VA, Pichugova SV, Beikin YB, Chereshneva MV, Iukhta AI, Stroev YI, Churilov LP. Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Male Infertility: Juxtacrine, Paracrine, and Endocrine Dysregulation. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 28:471-488. [PMID: 35366245 PMCID: PMC8830464 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology28040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
According to global data, there is a male reproductive potential decrease. Pathogenesis of male infertility is often associated with autoimmunity towards sperm antigens essential for fertilization. Antisperm autoantibodies (ASAs) have immobilizing and cytotoxic properties, impairing spermatogenesis, causing sperm agglutination, altering spermatozoa motility and acrosomal reaction, and thus preventing ovum fertilization. Infertility diagnosis requires a mandatory check for the ASAs. The concept of the blood-testis barrier is currently re-formulated, with an emphasis on informational paracrine and juxtacrine effects, rather than simple anatomical separation. The etiology of male infertility includes both autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases but equally develops through autoimmune links of pathogenesis. Varicocele commonly leads to infertility due to testicular ischemic damage, venous stasis, local hyperthermia, and hypoandrogenism. However, varicocelectomy can alter the blood-testis barrier, facilitating ASAs production as well. There are contradictory data on the role of ASAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele-related infertility. Infection and inflammation both promote ASAs production due to "danger concept" mechanisms and because of antigen mimicry. Systemic pro-autoimmune influences like hyperprolactinemia, hypoandrogenism, and hypothyroidism also facilitate ASAs production. The diagnostic value of various ASAs has not yet been clearly attributed, and their cut-levels have not been determined in sera nor in ejaculate. The assessment of the autoimmunity role in the pathogenesis of male infertility is ambiguous, so the purpose of this review is to show the effects of ASAs on the pathogenesis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriy A. Chereshnev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (V.A.C.); (S.V.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pichugova
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (V.A.C.); (S.V.P.); (M.V.C.)
- State Autonomous Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region “Clinical and Diagnostic Center” (GAUZ SO “CDC” Clinical Diagnostic Center), 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Yakov B. Beikin
- State Autonomous Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region “Clinical and Diagnostic Center” (GAUZ SO “CDC” Clinical Diagnostic Center), 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Margarita V. Chereshneva
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (V.A.C.); (S.V.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Angelina I. Iukhta
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199304 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (Y.I.S.); (L.P.C.)
| | - Yuri I. Stroev
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199304 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (Y.I.S.); (L.P.C.)
| | - Leonid P. Churilov
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199304 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (Y.I.S.); (L.P.C.)
- Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 191036 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Chorfa A, Goubely C, Henry-Berger J, Guiton R, Drevet JR, Saez F. Identification of Arvicola terrestris scherman Sperm Antigens for Immune Contraceptive Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189965. [PMID: 34576131 PMCID: PMC8465135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclical proliferation of the wild fossorial rodent Arvicola terrestris scherman (ATS) is critical in mid-mountain ecosystems of several European countries. Our goal is to develop an immunocontraceptive vaccine to control their fertility, as a sustainable alternative to chemical poisons currently used. Indeed, these chemicals cause the death of ATS predators and animals sharing their ecosystem, and current laws progressively limit their use, making the development of a targeted vaccination strategy an interesting and efficient alternative. In order to identify species-specific sperm antigens, male and female ATS received subcutaneous injections of whole ATS spermatozoa to elicit an immune response. The analysis of the immune sera led to the identification of 120 immunogenic proteins of sperm cells. Of these, 15 were strictly sperm-specific and located in different regions of the male gamete. Some of these antigens are proteins involved in molecular events essential to the reproductive process, such as sperm–egg interaction, acrosomal reaction, or sperm motility. This approach not only identified a panel of immunogenic proteins from ATS sperm cells, but also demonstrated that some of these proteins trigger an immune response in both male and female ATS. These spermatic antigens are good candidates for the development of a contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joël R. Drevet
- Correspondence: (J.R.D.); (F.S.); Tel.: +33-4-73-40-74-13 (J.R.D.); +33-4-73-40-76-20 (F.S.)
| | - Fabrice Saez
- Correspondence: (J.R.D.); (F.S.); Tel.: +33-4-73-40-74-13 (J.R.D.); +33-4-73-40-76-20 (F.S.)
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Archana SS, Selvaraju S, Binsila BK, Arangasamy A, Krawetz SA. Immune regulatory molecules as modifiers of semen and fertility: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1485-1504. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Siddalingappa Archana
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
- Department of BiochemistryJain University Bengaluru India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - B. Krishnan Binsila
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - Arunachalam Arangasamy
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and GeneticsC.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan
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Kawase O, Jimbo M. Detection of sperm-reactive antibodies in wild sika deer and identification of the sperm antigens. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:802-809. [PMID: 29553063 PMCID: PMC5989026 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisperm antibodies potentially inhibit sperm functions causing the sterility in humans and experimentally treated animals. However, there is no information about antisperm antibodies
emerging spontaneously in wildlife. In this study, we searched for the sperm-reactive antibodies, spontaneously produced in wild sika deer (Cervus nippon), and identified
the sperm antigens. We collected 529 fecal masses of sika deer in Japanese cities, from which we extracted the mucosal antibodies to test them for reactivities to deer sperm proteins by
ELISA. Two of the extracts contained IgAs that were highly reactive to the sperm proteins. The molecular weights of the active IgAs, partially purified by DEAE-sephadex A-50, were estimated
at more than 100 kDa, suggesting that the IgAs evaded drastic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting detected three major antigens, and
the following LC-MS/MS analysis identified them as alpha-enolase, phosphoglycerate kinase 2 and acrosin-binding protein. The antibodies were cross-reactive to a recombinant human
acrosin-binding protein. To our knowledge, this is the first research to find that the sperm-reactive antibodies are produced spontaneously in wildlife and they recognize a common antigen
found in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Kawase
- Department of Biology, Premedical Sciences, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Jimbo
- Department of Marine Biosciences, School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato University, Kitasato, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
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Pujianto DA, Hajizah H, Mansur IG, Amarudin A. Antisperm antibodies disrupt plasma membrane integrity and inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation in human spermatozoa. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDONESIA 2018. [DOI: 10.13181/mji.v27i1.1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The etiology of unexplained infertility has not been fully understood. This study aimed to determine the effect of antisperm antibody (ASA) from infertile women on viability, motility, plasma membrane integrity, and status of tyrosine phosphorylation in the human spermatozoa.Methods: An experimental in vitro study was conducted at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia from February to November 2014. Spermatozoa from normal fertile donors was incubated with serum containing ASA from infertile women at several dilutions (1/1000, 1/100, 1/10, and without dilution) for 1 and 2 hours. The plasma membrane integrity was assessed with hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test, whereas the status of tyrosine phosphorylation was analyzed using Western immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry.Results: After 1 hour incubation time, ASA caused a decrease in sperm viability, motility, plasma membrane integrity, and inhibit sperm tyrosine phosphorylation. ASA caused a decrease in viability, motility, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm after 1 hour incubation time.Conclusion: ASA from infertile women reduced the sperm viability, motility, plasma membrane integrity, and capacitation in dose and time dependent manner.
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Parida R, Samanta L. In silico analysis of candidate proteins sharing homology with Streptococcus agalactiae proteins and their role in male infertility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 63:15-28. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2016.1243741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luna Samanta
- Department of Zoology, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India
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