Immunogenicity of zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 and spermatozoa YLP(12) peptides presented on Johnson grass mosaic virus-like particles

Abstract

For safer and effective immunocontraception, zona (ZP3) and spermatozoa specific (YLP(12)) peptides have been presented on virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from Johnson grass mosaic virus coat protein. Immunization of FvB/cJ female mice with VLPs presenting YLP(12)-ZP3 fusion peptide and a physical mixture of VLPs presenting either YLP(12) or ZP3 epitope led to generation of specific antibody responses and a significant reduction in litters born per mice (p<0.005). Significant curtailment of fertility was also observed in animals immunized with adjuvnated ZP3 and YLP(12) synthetic peptides. These results suggest that VLPs can be used to present gamete epitopes for immunocontraception.