ZONA-PELLUCIDA AS A TARGET FOR IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION

The zona pellucida (ZP) has generated considerable interest as a target for the immunocontraceptive vaccine, blocking pregnancy at pre-fertilization stage. Antibodies against porcine ZP3 have been shown to inhibit sperm-egg interaction. The immunological cross-reactivity among the various species of ZP glycoproteins, has led to the possibility of heterologous immunization. Recent studies in nonprimates using purified ZP components reversible infertility without side effects. More recently, peptide immunogens based on the ZP sequence, have become candidate contraceptive vaccines with the demonstration that the deglycosylated ZP components can block fertility with reduced ovarian dysfunction.