Sperm antigens and immunocontraception

The development of novel forms of contraception is one way in which the world population crisis is being tackled. The concept of a contraceptive vaccine based on gamete-specific antigens is a particularly attractive approach. Much research has been carried out to identify sperm antigens which could be used as the immunogen. The most encouraging leads have come from groups using monoclonal antibodies to identify and characterize sperm antigens important for fertility (e.g. SP-10, PH-20 and PH-30). Identification of these molecules will also enable the development of specific tests for the diagnosis of immune infertility.